Systems and methods for incontinence detection, microclimate management, and patient presence detection

Abstract

A patient chuck pad serves as an incontinence pad with provision for incontinence detection. A pneumatic system forces air through the incontinence pad. A first humidity sensor is in pneumatic communication with an inlet line of the incontinence pad. A second humidity sensor is in pneumatic communication with an outlet line of the incontinence pad. A humidity difference between humidities measured by the first and second humidity sensor is used to detect patient incontinence. Various chuck pads having microclimate management, incontinence detection electrodes, and patient presence detectors are also provided.

Description

Attorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1 SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INCONTINENCE DETECTION, MICROCLIMATE MANAGEMENT, AND PATIENT PRESENCE DETECTION

[0001] The present application claims the benefit, under 35 U.S.C § 119(e), of U.S. Provisional Application No.63 / 648,253, filed May 16, 2024, and U.S. Provisional Application No.63 / 757,001, filed February 11, 2025, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. BACKGROUND

[0002] The present disclosure relates to patient chuck pads, and more particularly, to patient chuck pads having microclimate management and incontinence detection.

[0003] Many patient support apparatuses include microclimate management systems incorporated into a surface thereof. Surfaces with microclimate management are able to reduce the risk of pressure injury by removing heat and moisture from the patient / surface interface. Additionally chucks or incontinence pads are sometimes used along with the microclimate management system. Even with microclimate management system overlay products, clinicians will sometimes use separate incontinence pads out of convenience for quick cleaning of patient soiling. Generally, the use of incontinence pads impacts the performance of the microclimate management feature because the incontinence pads add additional resistance to the flow of heat and moisture from the patient surface interface. These additional layers can take a high-end microclimate management product and reduce its heat and moisture removal performance down to that of a passive foam surface. Accordingly, there is an ongoing need to improve microclimate management performance for patients when incontinence detection is also desired. SUMMARY

[0004] The present disclosure includes one or more of the features recited in the appended claims and / or the following features which, alone or in any combination, may comprise patentable subject matter.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the disclosed embodiments, a microclimate system includes an absorbent article for placement adjacent a patient. A pneumatic system moves air into the absorbent article via an inlet line and away from the absorbent article via an outlet line. An inlet humidity sensor is in pneumatic communication with the inlet line. An outlet humidity sensor is in pneumatic communication with the outlet line. A controller compares an outletAttorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1 humidity detected by the outlet humidity sensor with an inlet humidity detected by the inlet humidity sensor to detect an incontinence event. The controller outputs an alert signal in response to detection of the incontinence event.

[0006] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the absorbent article may include an incontinence pad for placement atop a top surface of a patient support surface. The absorbent article may include a brief configured to be worn by the patient. The absorbent article may be incorporated into a moisture control layer of a patient support apparatus. The pneumatic system may include an inlet blower to move atmospheric air into the inlet line. The inlet line may include an inlet quick connector to couple the inlet line to the inlet blower. The pneumatic system may include an outlet blower to move air from the outlet line to the atmosphere. The outlet line may include an outlet quick connector to couple the outlet line to the outlet blower.

[0007] Optionally, in the first aspect, the controller may activate the indicator in response to a ratio of the outlet humidity to the inlet humidity being at a predetermined ratio for a predetermined period of time. The predetermined ratio may be between about 1.1 and about 2. The controller may activate the indicator in response to the outlet humidity being 100% of relative humidity. The controller may be positioned in the pneumatic system.

[0008] It may be desired, in the first aspect, that the absorbent article may include an upper layer being vapor and liquid permeable, a lower layer being liquid impermeable, and a middle layer being air permeable. The middle layer may include the inlet line and the outlet line. The middle layer of the absorbent article may include a three-dimensional material configured to conduct air between the upper layer and the lower layer of the absorbent article. The absorbent article may be movable along a top surface of the patient support surface to underlie a pelvic region of the patient lying supine on the patient support structure.

[0009] According to a second aspect of the disclosed embodiments, an absorbent article includes an inlet line in pneumatic communication with an inlet humidity sensor. An outlet line is in pneumatic communication with an outlet humidity sensor. A pneumatic system moves air into the absorbent article via the inlet line and away from the absorbent article via the outlet line. A controller in communication with the absorbent article compares an outlet humidity detected by the outlet humidity sensor with an inlet humidity detected by the inlet humidity sensor to detect an incontinence event. The controller outputs an alert signal in response to detection of the incontinence event.

[0010] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the absorbent article may include an incontinence pad for placement atop a top surface of a patient support surface. The absorbent article may include a brief configured to be worn by a patient. The absorbent article may beAttorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1 incorporated into a moisture control layer of a patient support apparatus. The inlet line may receive atmospheric air. The outlet line may discharge air to the atmosphere.

[0011] Optionally, in the second aspect, the controller may activate the indicator in response to a ratio of the outlet humidity to the inlet humidity being at a predetermined ratio for a predetermined period of time. The predetermined ratio may be between about 1.1 and about 2. The controller may activate the indicator in response to the outlet humidity being 100% of relative humidity.

[0012] It may be desired, in the second aspect, that the absorbent article may include an upper layer being vapor and liquid permeable. A lower layer may be liquid impermeable. A middle layer may be air permeable. The middle layer may include the inlet line and the outlet line. The middle layer of the absorbent article may include a three-dimensional material configured to conduct air between the upper layer and the lower layer of the absorbent article. The inlet line may include an inlet quick connector to couple the inlet line to an inlet blower. The outlet line may include an outlet quick connector to couple the outlet line to an outlet blower.

[0013] According to a third aspect of the disclosed embodiments, a method of determining when to change an absorbent article includes conducting air into the absorbent article via an inlet line and away from the absorbent article via an outlet line. The method also includes detecting an inlet humidity with an inlet humidity sensor in fluid pneumatic with the inlet line of the absorbent article. The method also includes detecting an outlet humidity with an outlet humidity sensor in pneumatic communication with the outlet line of the absorbent article. The method also includes comparing the outlet humidity to the inlet humidity to detect an incontinence event. The method also includes outputting an alert signal in response to detection of the incontinence event.

[0014] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the method may also include positioning the absorbent article on a top surface of a patient support surface. The method may also include positioning the absorbent article on a patient. The method may also include incorporating the absorbent article into a moisture control layer of a patient support apparatus. The method may also include directing atmospheric air into the inlet line. The method may also include discharging air from the outlet line to the atmosphere.

[0015] Optionally, in the third aspect, the method may also include activating the indicator in response to a ratio of the outlet humidity to the inlet humidity being at a predetermined ratio for a predetermined period of time. The predetermined ratio may beAttorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1 between about 1.1 and about 2. The method may also include activating the indicator in response to the outlet humidity being 100% of relative humidity.

[0016] According to a fourth aspect of the disclosed embodiments, a patient support system includes a mattress base including at least one of a foam layer and an air bladder layer. A moisture control layer is supported by the mattress base and configured for placement adjacent a patient. A pneumatic system moves air into the moisture control layer via an inlet line and away from the moisture control layer via an outlet line. An inlet humidity sensor is in pneumatic communication with the inlet line. An outlet humidity sensor is in pneumatic communication with the outlet line. A controller compares an outlet humidity detected by the outlet humidity sensor with an inlet humidity detected by the inlet humidity sensor to detect an incontinence event. The controller outputs an alert signal in response to detection of the incontinence event.

[0017] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect, the moisture control layer may remove moisture from the patient via the moving air. The moisture control layer may cool the patient via the moving air. The system may be enclosed by at least one coverlet. The moisture control layer may include a 3-D spacer material. An incontinence pad may sit on top of the moisture control layer. An incontinence pad may sit in the moisture control layer. The controller may control a pressure of the air bladders.

[0018] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a chuck pad apparatus may include a chuck pad that may have a microclimate management (MCM) layer and a pair of incontinence detection electrodes, a control unit that may include a blower and incontinence detection circuitry, a hose that may extend between the control unit and the chuck pad, and a connector that may be coupled to a distal end of the hose and that may be removably coupleable to the chuck pad so that air moved by the blower may flow through the hose, the connector, and the MCM layer. The connector of the fifth aspect also may carry a pair of electrical contacts that may electrically couple to the pair of incontinence detection electrodes when the connector is coupled to the chuck pad so that the pair of incontinence detection electrodes may be in electrical communication with the incontinence detection circuitry.

[0019] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect, the pair of electrical contacts may include first and second pins that may be situated, at least in part, in a bore of the connector through which air moved by the blower may pass. It is contemplated that the first and second pins may extend from the bore beyond the connector. Optionally, the first and second pins of the fifth aspect may be spring biased outwardly from the connector. Further optionally, the connector of the fifth aspect may include a pin carrier that may span across an opening of theAttorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1 connector and the first and second pins may be supported by the pin carrier for movement relative to the connector.

[0020] If desired, the chuck pad apparatus of the fifth aspect, further may include first and second springs that may bias the first and second pins, respectively, outwardly from the connector and the connector may include first and second spring retainers in which the first and second springs, respectively, may be situated. In such arrangements, as the connector is moved toward the chuck pad during coupling to the chuck pad, ends of the first and second pins may engage respective first and second contact regions of the pair of incontinence detection electrodes and further compress the springs so that the ends of the first and second pins may be spring biased into engagement with the respective first and second contact regions when the connector is coupled to the chuck pad.

[0021] Optionally, the chuck pad apparatus of the fifth aspect further may include a generally cylindrical connector receiver that may be coupled to the chuck pad and that may receive a portion of the connector therein. In such embodiments, the first contact region may be aligned with a central axis of the generally cylindrical connector receiver and the second contact region may be offset from the central axis. Further optionally, the connector of the fifth aspect may include a cylindrical wall and a connection pin that may extend radially outwardly therefrom. Still further optionally, the generally cylindrical connector receiver may include a somewhat L-shaped pin receiving slot that may have a first slot portion though which the connection pin moves as the connector is moved in an axial direction that may be parallel with the central axis and that may have a second slot portion through which the connection pin moves as the connector is rotated about the central axis.

[0022] Alternatively, the connector of the fifth aspect may include a cylindrical wall and a pair of connection pins that each may extend generally radially outwardly therefrom. In turn, the generally cylindrical connector receiver of such embodiments may include a pair of somewhat L-shaped pin receiving slots that each may have a first slot portion though which a corresponding one of the pair of connection pins moves as the connector is moved in an axial direction that may be parallel with the central axis and that each may have a second slot portion through which the corresponding one of the pair of connection pins moves as the connector is rotated about the central axis. If desired, the pair of connection pins may be spaced apart around the central axis from each other by about 180°.

[0023] In some embodiments of the chuck pad apparatus of the fifth aspect, the first contact region may be generally circular, and the second contact region may be generally arcuate. In such embodiments, the connector may couple to the generally cylindrical connectorAttorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1 receiver via rotation of the connector through an arc such that the end of the first pin may spin on the generally circular first contact region and the end of the second pin may wipe along the arcuate second contact region. Optionally, the generally arcuate second contact region may extend by about 90° about the central axis of the generally cylindrical connector receiver and the arc through which the connector rotates relative to the generally cylindrical connector receiver during coupling thereto may be about 45°.

[0024] If desired, the connector of the chuck pad apparatus of the fifth aspect may include a connector head that may have a substantially U-shaped sidewall with a substantially U-shaped groove that may be formed therein adjacent to a substantially U-shaped ridge. Also, if desired, the first and second electrical contacts may be provided on the substantially U- shaped ridge. The chuck pad apparatus of the fifth aspect further may include a substantially U- shaped head receiver that may be coupled to the chuck pad and that may have a substantially U- shaped receiver groove that may be configured to receive the substantially U-shaped ridge of the connector head therein. In such arrangements, the substantially U-shaped head receiver may have a pair of electrical pads that may be electrically coupled to the pair of incontinence detection electrodes, and the electrical contacts of the connector head may contact the electrical pads when the connector head is coupled to the substantially U-shaped head receiver. Alternatively or additionally, the substantially U-shaped head receiver may have a substantially U-shaped receiver ridge that may be received in the substantially U-shaped groove of the connector head when the connector head is coupled to the substantially U-shaped head receiver.

[0025] In some embodiments of the chuck pad apparatus of the fifth aspect, the chuck pad further may include a patient presence detector that may be operable to detect that a patient may be supported above the chuck pad and the control unit further may include patient presence detection circuitry that may be electrically coupled to the patient presence detector. Optionally, the patient presence detector may be electrically coupled to the patient presence detector circuitry via the pair of electrical contacts that may be carried by the connector. Further optionally, the incontinence detection circuitry and the patient presence detection circuitry may be operated alternately to monitor an electrical resistance between the pair of electrodes and a capacitance that may be detected by the patient presence detector.

[0026] In some embodiments of the chuck pad apparatus of the fifth aspect, the patient presence detector may include a capacitance sensor located beneath the pair of incontinence detection electrodes. For example, the capacitance sensor may include a sheet of conductive fabric. Alternatively or additionally, the capacitance sensor may include a plurality of spaced apart conductive strips that may be of substantially equivalent length and an intersecting stripAttorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1 may be provided that may extend across middle regions of the plurality of space apart conductive strips in substantially perpendicular relation therewith.

[0027] The present disclosure further contemplates that incontinence from a patient may be detected by the incontinence detection circuitry of the fifth aspect based on an electrical resistance that may be detected between the pair of incontinence detection electrodes and the pair of incontinence detection electrodes also may serve as a patient presence detector. In such embodiments, the control unit further may include patient presence detection circuitry that may be operable to monitor a capacitance of the pair of incontinence detection electrodes to determine if a patient may be present above the chuck pad. Optionally in connection with the fifth aspect, the incontinence detection circuitry and the patient presence detection circuitry may be operated alternately to monitor the electrical resistance between the pair of incontinence detection electrodes and the capacitance of the pair of incontinence detection electrodes. Further optionally, the blower of the fifth aspect may be turned off in response to incontinence bridging across the pair of incontinence detection electrodes creating a closed circuit condition as detected by the incontinence detection circuitry.

[0028] In some embodiments of the chuck pad apparatus of the fifth aspect, the chuck pad may have a series of hand grip openings that may be formed adjacent to opposite side edges thereof so that the chuck pad also may be usable as a lateral transfer pad to move a patient from one patient support apparatus to another. Alternatively or additionally, the chuck pad of the fifth aspect may include a main body and loops that may extend from an outer periphery of the main body for attachment to a patient lift sling of a motorized patient lift. Further alternatively or additionally, a speed of the blower of the fifth aspect may be increased to expel a sufficient amount of air through one or more bottom openings of the chuck pad to create an air bearing beneath the chuck pad that may be suitable to assist in lateral transfer of a patient supported on the chuck pad from one patient support apparatus to another. Still further alternatively or additionally, a bottom surface of the chuck pad of the fifth aspect may include a low friction material to facilitate lateral transfer of a patient supported on the chuck pad from one patient support apparatus to another or to facilitate repositioning of the patient on a single patient support apparatus.

[0029] Optionally, the chuck pad apparatus of the fifth aspect may further include one or more rotation bladders that may be provided on a bottom of the chuck pad and the one or more rotation bladders may be inflatable to laterally rotate a patient supported on the chuck pad. Further optionally, one or more sit assist bladders may be provided on a bottom of the chuck pad of the fifth aspect and the one or more sit assist bladders may be inflatable to raise aAttorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1 patient’s torso upwardly toward a sitting position. Still further optionally, one or more heel relief bladders may be coupled to the chuck pad of the fifth aspect and the one or more heel relief bladders may be inflatable beneath a patient’s calves or ankles to raise the patient’s heels upwardly off of an underlying support surface. Also optionally, a bottom surface of the chuck pad of the fifth aspect may have low friction areas and high friction areas to facilitate holding foam wedges in place beneath the chuck pad when placed beneath the high friction areas. If desired, the chuck pad of the fifth aspect may have an integrated x-ray sleeve configured to receive an x-ray cassette therein.

[0030] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a chuck pad apparatus may include a chuck pad that may have a pair of electrodes that may be used to detect a presence of a patient supported above the chuck pad and to detect incontinence from the patient, and control circuitry that may be coupled to the pair of electrodes. The control circuitry of the sixth aspect may be operable to monitor a resistance between the pair of electrodes in connection with detecting incontinence from the patient and to monitor a capacitance of the pair of electrodes in connection with detecting the presence of the patient.

[0031] In some embodiments, the chuck pad of the sixth aspect further may include a microclimate management (MCM) layer and the chuck pad apparatus further may include a control unit that may include a blower that may be coupled to the control circuitry. The chuck pad apparatus of the sixth apparatus also may include a hose that may extend between the control unit and the chuck pad so that pressurized air may be moved by the blower through the MCM layer, and a connector that may be coupled to a distal end of the hose and that may be removably coupleable to the chuck pad so that air moved by the blower may flow through the hose, the connector, and the MCM layer. The connector of the sixth aspect also may carry a pair of electrical contacts that may electrically couple to the pair of electrodes when the connector is coupled to the chuck pad so that the pair of electrodes may be in electrical communication with the control circuitry.

[0032] Optionally, the pair of electrical contacts of the sixth aspect may include first and second pins that may be situated, at least in part, in a bore of the connector through which air moved by the blower may pass. It is contemplated that the first and second pins of the sixth aspect may extend from the bore beyond the connector. Optionally, the first and second pins of the sixth aspect may be spring biased outwardly from the connector. Further optionally, the connector of the sixth aspect may include a pin carrier that may span across an opening of the connector and the first and second pins may be supported by the pin carrier for movement relative to the connector.Attorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1

[0033] If desired, the chuck pad apparatus of the sixth aspect, further may include first and second springs that may bias the first and second pins, respectively, outwardly from the connector and the connector may include first and second spring retainers in which the first and second springs, respectively, may be situated. In such arrangements, as the connector is moved toward the chuck pad during coupling to the chuck pad, ends of the first and second pins may engage respective first and second contact regions of the pair of incontinence detection electrodes and further compress the springs so that the ends of the first and second pins may be spring biased into engagement with the respective first and second contact regions when the connector is coupled to the chuck pad.

[0034] Optionally, the chuck pad apparatus of the sixth aspect further may include a generally cylindrical connector receiver that may be coupled to the chuck pad and that may receive a portion of the connector therein. In such embodiments, the first contact region may be aligned with a central axis of the generally cylindrical connector receiver and the second contact region may be offset from the central axis. Further optionally, the connector of the sixth aspect may include a cylindrical wall and a connection pin that may extend radially outwardly therefrom. Still further optionally, the generally cylindrical connector receiver of the sixth aspect may include a somewhat L-shaped pin receiving slot that may have a first slot portion though which the connection pin moves as the connector is moved in an axial direction that may be parallel with the central axis and that may have a second slot portion through which the connection pin moves as the connector is rotated about the central axis.

[0035] Alternatively, the connector of the sixth aspect may include a cylindrical wall and a pair of connection pins that each may extend generally radially outwardly therefrom. In turn, the generally cylindrical connector receiver of such embodiments may include a pair of somewhat L-shaped pin receiving slots that each may have a first slot portion though which a corresponding one of the pair of connection pins moves as the connector is moved in an axial direction that may be parallel with the central axis and that each may have a second slot portion through which the corresponding one of the pair of connection pins moves as the connector is rotated about the central axis. If desired, the pair of connection pins of the sixth aspect may be spaced apart around the central axis from each other by about 180°.

[0036] In some embodiments of the chuck pad apparatus of the sixth aspect, the first contact region may be generally circular, and the second contact region may be generally arcuate. In such embodiments, the connector may couple to the generally cylindrical connector receiver via rotation of the connector through an arc such that the end of the first pin may spin on the generally circular first contact region and the end of the second pin may wipe along theAttorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1 arcuate second contact region. Optionally, the generally arcuate second contact region of the sixth aspect may extend by about 90° about the central axis of the generally cylindrical connector receiver and the arc through which the connector rotates relative to the generally cylindrical connector receiver during coupling thereto may be about 45°.

[0037] If desired, the connector of the chuck pad apparatus of the sixth aspect may include a connector head that may have a substantially U-shaped sidewall with a substantially U-shaped groove that may be formed therein adjacent to a substantially U-shaped ridge. Also, if desired, the first and second electrical contacts of the sixth aspect may be provided on the substantially U-shaped ridge. The chuck pad apparatus of the sixth aspect further may include a substantially U-shaped head receiver that may be coupled to the chuck pad and that may have a substantially U-shaped receiver groove that may be configured to receive the substantially U- shaped ridge of the connector head therein. In such arrangements, the substantially U-shaped head receiver may have a pair of electrical pads that may be electrically coupled to the pair of incontinence detection electrodes, and the electrical contacts of the connector head may contact the electrical pads when the connector head is coupled to the substantially U-shaped head receiver. Alternatively or additionally, the substantially U-shaped head receiver of the sixth aspect may have a substantially U-shaped receiver ridge that may be received in the substantially U-shaped groove of the connector head when the connector head is coupled to the substantially U-shaped head receiver.

[0038] In some embodiments of the chuck pad apparatus of the sixth aspect, the blower may be turned off in response to incontinence bridging across the pair of incontinence detection electrodes creating a closed circuit condition as detected by the incontinence detection circuitry. If desired, a speed of the blower of the sixth aspect may be increased to expel a sufficient amount of air through one or more bottom openings of the chuck pad to create an air bearing beneath the chuck pad suitable to assist in lateral transfer of a patient supported on the chuck pad from one patient support apparatus to another. The present disclosure contemplates that the control circuitry of the sixth aspect may include incontinence detection circuitry that may be operable to monitor the resistance between the pair of electrodes and patient presence detection circuitry that may be operable to monitor the capacitance of the pair of electrodes to determine patient presence. Optionally in connection with the sixth aspect, the incontinence detection circuitry and the patient presence detection circuitry may be operated alternately to monitor the electrical resistance between the pair of electrodes and the capacitance of the pair of electrodes.

[0039] In some embodiments of the chuck pad apparatus of the sixth aspect, the chuck pad may have a series of hand grip openings that may be formed adjacent to opposite side edgesAttorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1 thereof so that the chuck pad also may be usable as a lateral transfer pad to move a patient from one patient support apparatus to another. Alternatively or additionally, the chuck pad of the sixth aspect may include a main body and loops that may extend from an outer periphery of the main body for attachment to a patient lift sling of a motorized patient lift. Further alternatively or additionally, a speed of the blower of the sixth aspect may be increased to expel a sufficient amount of air through one or more bottom openings of the chuck pad to create an air bearing beneath the chuck pad that may be suitable to assist in lateral transfer of a patient supported on the chuck pad from one patient support apparatus to another. Still further alternatively or additionally, a bottom surface of the chuck pad of the sixth aspect may include a low friction material to facilitate lateral transfer of a patient supported on the chuck pad from one patient support apparatus to another or to facilitate repositioning of the patient on a single patient support apparatus.

[0040] Optionally, the chuck pad apparatus of the sixth aspect may further include one or more rotation bladders that may be provided on a bottom of the chuck pad and the one or more rotation bladders may be inflatable to laterally rotate a patient supported on the chuck pad. Further optionally, one or more sit assist bladders may be provided on a bottom of the chuck pad of the sixth aspect and the one or more sit assist bladders may be inflatable to raise a patient’s torso upwardly toward a sitting position. Still further optionally, one or more heel relief bladders may be coupled to the chuck pad of the sixth aspect and the one or more heel relief bladders may be inflatable beneath a patient’s calves or ankles to raise the patient’s heels upwardly off of an underlying support surface. Also optionally, a bottom surface of the chuck pad of the sixth aspect may have low friction areas and high friction areas to facilitate holding foam wedges in place beneath the chuck pad when placed beneath the high friction areas. If desired, the chuck pad of the sixth aspect may have an integrated x-ray sleeve configured to receive an x-ray cassette therein.

[0041] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a chuck pad apparatus may include a chuck pad that may have an incontinence detection sensor that may include a pair of electrodes that may be used to detect incontinence from a patient that may be supported above the chuck pad and that may also have a patient presence detection sensor to detect a presence of the patient. The chuck pad apparatus of the seventh aspect also may include control circuitry that, in turn, may include incontinence detection circuitry that may be coupled to the incontinence detection sensor and patient presence detection circuitry that may be coupled to the patient presence detection sensor. The incontinence detection circuitry and the patient presence detection circuitry of the seventh aspect may be operated alternately to monitor theAttorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1 electrical resistance between the pair of incontinence detection electrodes and to monitor the capacitance of the patient presence detection sensor.

[0042] In some embodiments, the chuck pad of the seventh aspect further may include a microclimate management (MCM) layer and the chuck pad apparatus further may include a control unit that may include a blower that may be coupled to the control circuitry. The chuck pad apparatus of the seventh apparatus also may include a hose that may extend between the control unit and the chuck pad so that pressurized air may be moved by the blower through the MCM layer, and a connector that may be coupled to a distal end of the hose and that may be removably coupleable to the chuck pad so that air moved by the blower may flow through the hose, the connector, and the MCM layer. The connector of the seventh aspect also may carry a pair of electrical contacts that may electrically couple to the pair of electrodes when the connector is coupled to the chuck pad so that the pair of electrodes may be in electrical communication with the control circuitry.

[0043] Optionally, the pair of electrical contacts of the seventh aspect may include first and second pins that may be situated, at least in part, in a bore of the connector through which air moved by the blower may pass. It is contemplated that the first and second pins of the seventh aspect may extend from the bore beyond the connector. Optionally, the first and second pins of the seventh aspect may be spring biased outwardly from the connector. Further optionally, the connector of the seventh aspect may include a pin carrier that may span across an opening of the connector and the first and second pins may be supported by the pin carrier for movement relative to the connector.

[0044] If desired, the chuck pad apparatus of the seventh aspect, further may include first and second springs that may bias the first and second pins, respectively, outwardly from the connector and the connector may include first and second spring retainers in which the first and second springs, respectively, may be situated. In such arrangements, as the connector is moved toward the chuck pad during coupling to the chuck pad, ends of the first and second pins may engage respective first and second contact regions of the pair of incontinence detection electrodes and further compress the springs so that the ends of the first and second pins may be spring biased into engagement with the respective first and second contact regions when the connector is coupled to the chuck pad.

[0045] Optionally, the chuck pad apparatus of the seventh aspect further may include a generally cylindrical connector receiver that may be coupled to the chuck pad and that may receive a portion of the connector therein. In such embodiments, the first contact region may be aligned with a central axis of the generally cylindrical connector receiver and the secondAttorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1 contact region may be offset from the central axis. Further optionally, the connector of the seventh aspect may include a cylindrical wall and a connection pin that may extend radially outwardly therefrom. Still further optionally, the generally cylindrical connector receiver of the seventh aspect may include a somewhat L-shaped pin receiving slot that may have a first slot portion though which the connection pin moves as the connector is moved in an axial direction that may be parallel with the central axis and that may have a second slot portion through which the connection pin moves as the connector is rotated about the central axis.

[0046] Alternatively, the connector of the seventh aspect may include a cylindrical wall and a pair of connection pins that each may extend generally radially outwardly therefrom. In turn, the generally cylindrical connector receiver of such embodiments may include a pair of somewhat L-shaped pin receiving slots that each may have a first slot portion though which a corresponding one of the pair of connection pins moves as the connector is moved in an axial direction that may be parallel with the central axis and that each may have a second slot portion through which the corresponding one of the pair of connection pins moves as the connector is rotated about the central axis. If desired, the pair of connection pins of the seventh aspect may be spaced apart around the central axis from each other by about 180°.

[0047] In some embodiments of the chuck pad apparatus of the seventh aspect, the first contact region may be generally circular, and the second contact region may be generally arcuate. In such embodiments, the connector may couple to the generally cylindrical connector receiver via rotation of the connector through an arc such that the end of the first pin may spin on the generally circular first contact region and the end of the second pin may wipe along the arcuate second contact region. Optionally, the generally arcuate second contact region of the seventh aspect may extend by about 90° about the central axis of the generally cylindrical connector receiver and the arc through which the connector rotates relative to the generally cylindrical connector receiver during coupling thereto may be about 45°.

[0048] If desired, the connector of the chuck pad apparatus of the seventh aspect may include a connector head that may have a substantially U-shaped sidewall with a substantially U-shaped groove that may be formed therein adjacent to a substantially U-shaped ridge. Also, if desired, the first and second electrical contacts of the seventh aspect may be provided on the substantially U-shaped ridge. The chuck pad apparatus of the seventh aspect further may include a substantially U-shaped head receiver that may be coupled to the chuck pad and that may have a substantially U-shaped receiver groove that may be configured to receive the substantially U-shaped ridge of the connector head therein. In such arrangements, the substantially U-shaped head receiver may have a pair of electrical pads that may be electricallyAttorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1 coupled to the pair of incontinence detection electrodes, and the electrical contacts of the connector head may contact the electrical pads when the connector head is coupled to the substantially U-shaped head receiver. Alternatively or additionally, the substantially U-shaped head receiver of the seventh aspect may have a substantially U-shaped receiver ridge that may be received in the substantially U-shaped groove of the connector head when the connector head is coupled to the substantially U-shaped head receiver.

[0049] In some embodiments of the chuck pad apparatus of the seventh aspect, the blower may be turned off in response to incontinence bridging across the pair of incontinence detection electrodes creating a closed circuit condition as detected by the incontinence detection circuitry. If desired, a speed of the blower of the seventh aspect may be increased to expel a sufficient amount of air through one or more bottom openings of the chuck pad to create an air bearing beneath the chuck pad suitable to assist in lateral transfer of a patient supported on the chuck pad from one patient support apparatus to another.

[0050] In some embodiments of the chuck pad apparatus of the seventh aspect, the patient presence detector may include a capacitance sensor located beneath the pair of incontinence detection electrodes. For example, the capacitance sensor of the seventh aspect may include a sheet of conductive fabric. Alternatively or additionally, the capacitance sensor of the seventh aspect may include a plurality of spaced apart conductive strips that may be of substantially equivalent length and an intersecting strip may be provided that may extend across middle regions of the plurality of space apart conductive strips in substantially perpendicular relation therewith.

[0051] In some embodiments of the chuck pad apparatus of the seventh aspect, the chuck pad may have a series of hand grip openings that may be formed adjacent to opposite side edges thereof so that the chuck pad also may be usable as a lateral transfer pad to move a patient from one patient support apparatus to another. Alternatively or additionally, the chuck pad of the seventh aspect may include a main body and loops that may extend from an outer periphery of the main body for attachment to a patient lift sling of a motorized patient lift. Further alternatively or additionally, a speed of the blower of the seventh aspect may be increased to expel a sufficient amount of air through one or more bottom openings of the chuck pad to create an air bearing beneath the chuck pad that may be suitable to assist in lateral transfer of a patient supported on the chuck pad from one patient support apparatus to another. Still further alternatively or additionally, a bottom surface of the chuck pad of the seventh aspect may include a low friction material to facilitate lateral transfer of a patient supported onAttorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1 the chuck pad from one patient support apparatus to another or to facilitate repositioning of the patient on a single patient support apparatus.

[0052] Optionally, the chuck pad apparatus of the seventh aspect may further include one or more rotation bladders that may be provided on a bottom of the chuck pad and the one or more rotation bladders may be inflatable to laterally rotate a patient supported on the chuck pad. Further optionally, one or more sit assist bladders may be provided on a bottom of the chuck pad of the seventh aspect and the one or more sit assist bladders may be inflatable to raise a patient’s torso upwardly toward a sitting position. Still further optionally, one or more heel relief bladders may be coupled to the chuck pad of the seventh aspect and the one or more heel relief bladders may be inflatable beneath a patient’s calves or ankles to raise the patient’s heels upwardly off of an underlying support surface. Also optionally, a bottom surface of the chuck pad of the seventh aspect may have low friction areas and high friction areas to facilitate holding foam wedges in place beneath the chuck pad when placed beneath the high friction areas. If desired, the chuck pad of the seventh aspect may have an integrated x-ray sleeve configured to receive an x-ray cassette therein.

[0053] In some embodiments of the chuck pad apparatus of any of the fifth, sixth, and seventh aspects, the blower may be operable to apply a positive pressure to the MCM layer via the hose and the connector so that air may be pushed through the MCM layer to ambient atmosphere. In other embodiments of the chuck pad apparatus of any of the fifth, sixth, and seventh aspects, the blower may be operatable to apply a negative pressure to the MCM layer via the hose and the connector so that air may be drawn into the MCM layer from ambient atmosphere.

[0054] Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments of the chuck pad apparatus of any of the fifth, sixth, and seventh aspects, the connector may include a connector head that may have a first bottom wall, a top wall, and a substantially U-shaped sidewall that may extend from the top wall. In such embodiments, the pair of electrical contacts each may include a first portion that may be integrally molded into the first bottom wall and a resilient tab that may extend from the first portion beyond a bottom surface of the first bottom wall. Still further in such embodiments, a substantially U-shaped head receiver may have a second bottom wall that may be coupled to the chuck pad. The second bottom wall may have first and second notches that may be formed therethrough and that may be configured to receive the resilient tabs of the first and second electrical contacts when the connector head is coupled to the substantially U- shaped head receiver.Attorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1

[0055] Optionally, a substantially U-shaped groove may be formed in the U-shaped sidewall of the connector head adjacent to a substantially U-shaped ridge of the U-shaped sidewall. Further optionally, the substantially U-shaped head receiver may have a substantially U-shaped receiver ridge that may be received in the substantially U-shaped groove of the connector head when the connector head is coupled to the substantially U-shaped head receiver. Still further optionally, the pair of incontinence detection electrodes may include first and second contact pads that may be exposed in respective ones of the first and second notches and that may be contacted by the respective resilient tabs of the first and second electrical contacts when the connector head is coupled to the substantially U-shaped head receiver. If desired, the first and second bottom walls may have respective openings that may be in alignment and that may be in air flow communication with the MCM layer of the chuck pad apparatus when the connector head is coupled to the substantially U-shaped head receiver.

[0056] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, a chuck pad apparatus may include a chuck pad that may have a microclimate management (MCM) layer and a patient presence detector, a control unit that may include a blower and control circuitry, a hose that may extend between the control unit and the chuck pad, and a connector that may be coupled to a distal end of the hose and that may be removably coupleable to the chuck pad so that air moved by the blower may flow through the hose, the connector, and the MCM layer. The connector also may carry at least one electrical contact that may electrically couple to the patient presence detector when the connector is coupled to the chuck pad so that the patient presence detector may be in electrical communication with the control circuitry. Furthermore, the blower may be operatable to apply a negative pressure to the MCM layer via the hose and the connector so that air may be drawn into the MCM layer from ambient atmosphere. The chuck pad of the eighth aspect further may include a humidity sensor that may be downstream from the MCM layer and that may be electrically coupled to the control circuitry. The control circuitry may be operable to detect that the chuck pad may be soiled with incontinence in response to a humidity sensed by the humidity sensor changing over a predetermined period of time by an amount that may exceed a threshold.

[0057] In some embodiments of the chuck pad apparatus of the eighth aspect, the humidity sensor may be coupled to the hose and may be configured to sense humidity of air within an interior region of the hose. Optionally, the control circuitry may be electrically coupled to the humidity sensor via one or more electrical conductors that may extend within or through the hose. Alternatively, the humidity sensor may be coupled to the connector and may be configured to sense humidity of air within an interior region of the connector. Optionally, inAttorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1 such embodiments, the control circuitry may be electrically coupled to the humidity sensor via one or more electrical conductors that may extend within or through the hose and the connector.

[0058] With regard to the chuck pad apparatus of the eighth aspect, the blower may be turned off by the control circuitry in response to detection of incontinence based on data from the humidity sensor. The present disclosure contemplates that the humidity sensor of the eighth aspect may include a first humidity sensor and the chuck pad apparatus may further include a second humidity sensor that may also be downstream from the MCM layer and that also may be electrically coupled to the control circuitry. If present, the second humidity sensor may provide incontinence detection redundancy to the first humidity sensor.

[0059] In some embodiments of the chuck pad apparatus of the eighth aspect, the patient presence detector may include a pair of electrodes that may be used to detect a presence of a patient supported above the chuck pad. For example, the control circuitry of the eighth aspect may be operable to monitor a capacitance of the pair of electrodes in connection with detecting the presence of the patient. In such embodiments, the at least one electrical contact carried by the connector may include a pair of electrical contacts that electrically couple to the pair of electrodes when the connector is coupled to the chuck pad so that the pair of electrodes may be in electrical communication with the control circuitry.

[0060] If desired, the pair of electrical contacts of the eighth aspect may include first and second pins that may be situated, at least in part, in a bore of the connector through which air moved by the blower may pass. In such embodiments, the first and second pins may extend from the bore beyond the connector. Optionally, the first and second pins may be spring biased outwardly from the connector. Further optionally, the connector of the eighth aspect may include a pin carrier that may span across an opening of the connector and the first and second pins may be supported by the pin carrier for movement relative to the connector. Still further optionally, the chuck pad apparatus of eighth aspect may include first and second springs that may bias the first and second pins, respectively, outwardly from the connector. In such embodiments, the connector may include first and second spring retainers in which the first and second springs, respectively, may be situated. Thus, as the connector is moved toward the chuck pad during coupling to the chuck pad, ends of the first and second pins may engage respective first and second contact regions of the pair of electrodes and may further compress the springs so that the ends of the first and second pins may be spring biased into engagement with the respective first and second contact regions when the connector is coupled to the chuck pad.Attorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1

[0061] The chuck pad apparatus of the eighth aspect further may include a generally cylindrical connector receiver that may be coupled to the chuck pad and that may receive a portion of the connector therein. Optionally, the first contact region may be aligned with a central axis of the generally cylindrical connector receiver and the second contact region may be offset from the central axis. Alternatively or additionally, the connector may include a cylindrical wall and a connection pin that may extend radially outwardly therefrom. In such embodiments, the generally cylindrical connector receiver may include a somewhat L-shaped pin receiving slot that may have a first slot portion though which the connection pin may move as the connector is moved in an axial direction that may be parallel with the central axis and that may have a second slot portion through which the connection pin may move as the connector is rotated about the central axis.

[0062] In another variant, the connector of the eighth aspect may include a cylindrical wall and a pair of connection pins that each may extend generally radially outwardly therefrom. In such a variant, the generally cylindrical connector receiver may include a pair of somewhat L-shaped pin receiving slots that each may have a first slot portion though which a corresponding one of the pair of connection pins may move as the connector is moved in an axial direction parallel with the central axis and that each may have a second slot portion through which the corresponding one of the pair of connection pins may move as the connector is rotated about the central axis. If desired, the pair of connection pins may be spaced apart around the central axis from each other by about 180°.

[0063] In some embodiments of the chuck pad apparatus of the eighth aspect, the first contact region of the first electrode may be generally circular, and the second contact region of the second electrode may be generally arcuate. In such embodiments, the connector may couple to the generally cylindrical connector receiver via rotation of the connector through an arc such that the end of the first pin may spin on the generally circular first contact region and the end of the second pin may wipe along the arcuate second contact region. Optionally, the generally arcuate second contact region may extend by about 90° about the central axis of the generally cylindrical connector receiver and the arc through which the connector rotates relative to the generally cylindrical connector receiver during coupling thereto may be about 45°.

[0064] If desired, the connector of the chuck pad apparatus of the eighth aspect may include a connector head that may have a substantially U-shaped sidewall with a substantially U-shaped groove that may be formed therein adjacent to a substantially U-shaped ridge. Also, if desired, the first and second electrical contacts of the seventh aspect may be provided on the substantially U-shaped ridge. The chuck pad apparatus of the eighth aspect further may includeAttorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1 a substantially U-shaped head receiver that may be coupled to the chuck pad and that may have a substantially U-shaped receiver groove that may be configured to receive the substantially U- shaped ridge of the connector head therein. In such arrangements, the substantially U-shaped head receiver may have a pair of electrical pads that may be electrically coupled to the pair of incontinence detection electrodes, and the electrical contacts of the connector head may contact the electrical pads when the connector head is coupled to the substantially U-shaped head receiver. Alternatively or additionally, the substantially U-shaped head receiver of the eighth aspect may have a substantially U-shaped receiver ridge that may be received in the substantially U-shaped groove of the connector head when the connector head is coupled to the substantially U-shaped head receiver.

[0065] In some embodiments of the chuck pad apparatus of the eighth aspect, the connector may include a connector head that may have a first bottom wall, a top wall, and a substantially U-shaped sidewall that may extend from the top wall. In such embodiments, the at least one electrical contact may include a first portion that may be integrally molded into the first bottom wall and a resilient tab that may extend from the first portion beyond a bottom surface of the first bottom wall. The chuck pad apparatus of the eighth aspect, further may include a substantially U-shaped head receiver that may have a second bottom wall that may be coupled to the chuck pad. Optionally, the second bottom wall may have at least one notch that may be formed therethrough and that may be configured to receive the resilient tab of the at least one electrical contact when the connector head is coupled to the substantially U-shaped head receiver.

[0066] If desired, a substantially U-shaped groove may be formed in the U-shaped sidewall of the connector head of the eighth aspect adjacent to a substantially U-shaped ridge of the U-shaped sidewall. In such arrangements, the substantially U-shaped head receiver may have a substantially U-shaped receiver ridge that may be received in the substantially U-shaped groove of the connector head when the connector head is coupled to the substantially U-shaped head receiver. The patient presence detector of the eighth aspect may include at least one contact pad that may be exposed in the at least one notch and that may be contacted by the at least one resilient tab of the at least one electrical contact when the connector head is coupled to the substantially U-shaped head receiver. Optionally, the first and second bottom walls may have respective openings that may be in alignment and that may be in air flow communication with the MCM layer when the connector head is coupled to the substantially U-shaped head receiver.Attorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1

[0067] In some embodiments of the chuck pad apparatus of the eighth aspect, the patient presence detector may include a capacitance sensor located beneath the MCM layer. Alternatively or additionally, the patient presence detector of the eighth aspect may include a capacitance sensor that may include a sheet of conductive fabric. Further alternatively or additionally, the patient presence detector of the eight aspect may include a capacitance sensor that may include a plurality of spaced apart conductive strips of substantially equivalent length and an intersecting strip that may extend across middle regions of the plurality of spaced apart conductive strips in substantially perpendicular relation therewith.

[0068] According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, an absorbent article may include a liquid permeable topsheet layer; a liquid impermeable backsheet layer; an absorbent core layer that may be between the topsheet layer and the backsheet layer; an air permeable layer that may be between the topsheet layer and backsheet layer and that may be above the absorbent core layer; and conductive traces that may be provided on at least one of the topsheet layer, backsheet layer, core layer and air permeable layer. The conductive traces may be configured to sense a presence of liquid that may be within the absorbent article. The absorbent article of the ninth aspect also may include a connector that may be adjacent at least one of the topsheet layer, backsheet layer, core layer, and air permeable layer. The connector of the ninth aspect may be configured to connect with a blower to move air through the air permeable layer and with liquid detection circuitry. The connector of the ninth aspect may include an electrical contact that may be configured to electrically communicate with the conductive traces.

[0069] In some embodiments of the absorbent article of the ninth aspect, the air permeable layer may include at least one of foam and a 3-D spacer material. For example, the air permeable layer of the ninth aspect may include a high porosity foam material. Alternatively or additionally, the topsheet layer of the ninth aspect may include at least one of a woven and nonwoven material. Further alternatively or additionally, the backsheet layer of the ninth aspect may include at least one of a breathable polyethylene film and a polypropylene (PP) spunbond nonwoven. Optionally, the connector of the ninth aspect may include a generally cylindrical connector.

[0070] If desired, the absorbent article of the ninth aspect further may include a patient presence detector that may be connected with at least one of the topsheet layer, backsheet layer, core layer, and air permeable layer. The present disclosure contemplates that the patient presence detector may be configured to detect presence of a patient that may be above the absorbent article. Optionally, the patient presence detector of the ninth aspect may include aAttorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1 capacitive sensor that may, in turn, include at least one of a conductive fabric and a conductive strip.

[0071] In some embodiments of the absorbent article of the ninth aspect, the connector may be configured to mate with a hose interface and to rotate relative thereto. Optionally, the connector of the ninth aspect may include a pair of electrical contacts that, in turn, may include first and second pins that may be situated, at least in part, in a bore of the connector through which air moved by the blower may pass. Alternatively or additionally, the connector of the ninth aspect may include at least one spring that may be configured to bias the pair of electrical contacts relative to the hose interface.

[0072] Optionally, the connector of the ninth aspect may include a generally cylindrical connector receiver that may be adjacent at least one of the topsheet layer, backsheet layer, core layer, and air permeable layer. Further optionally, the conductive traces of the ninth aspect may include a first contact region and a second contact region that may be accessible through the generally cylindrical connector receiver. Alternatvely or additionally, the connector may include a resilient portion that may electrically couple to at least one of the conductive traces.

[0073] According to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, an absorbent article may include a liquid permeable topsheet layer; a liquid impermeable backsheet layer; an absorbent core layer that may be between the topsheet layer and the backsheet layer; an air permeable layer that may be between the topsheet layer and backsheet layer and that may be above the absorbent core layer; and an electrical sensor that may be provided on at least one of the topsheet layer, backsheet layer, core layer and air permeable layer. The electrical sensor may be configured to sense at least one of a presence of liquid within the absorbent article and a presence of a patient on the absorbent article. The absorbent article of the tenth aspect also may include a connector that may be adjacent at least one of the topsheet layer, backsheet layer, core layer, and air permeable layer. The connector of the tenth aspect may be configured to connect with a blower to move air through the air permeable layer and provide electrical communication with the electrical sensor. The connector of the tenth aspect may include an electrical contact that may be configured to electrically communicate with the electrical sensor.

[0074] In some embodiments of the absorbent article of the tenth aspect, the air permeable layer may include at least one of foam and a 3-D spacer material. For example, the air permeable layer of the tenth aspect may include a high porosity foam material. Alternatively or additionally, the topsheet layer of the tenth aspect may include at least one of a woven and nonwoven material. Further alternatively or additionally, the backsheet layer of the tenth aspect may include at least one of a breathable polyethylene film and a polypropyleneAttorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1 (PP) spunbond nonwoven. Optionally, the connector of the tenth aspect may include a generally cylindrical connector.

[0075] If desired, the electrical sensor of the tenth aspect may include at least one of a conductive fabric, a conductive strip, and a conductive trace. Also if desired, the connector of the tenth aspect may be configured to mate with a hose interface and to rotate relative thereto. Optionally, the connector of the tenth aspect may include a pair of electrical contacts that may include first and second pins that may be situated, at least in part, in a bore of the connector through which air moved by the blower may pass. Further optionally, the connector of the tenth aspect may include at least one spring that may be configured to bias the pair of electrical contacts relative to a or the hose interface. Still further optionally, the connector of the tenth aspect may include a generally cylindrical connector receiver that may be adjacent at least one of the topsheet layer, backsheet layer, core layer, and air permeable layer. In such arrangements, the electrical sensor of the tenth aspect may include a first contact region and a second contact region that may be accessible through the generally cylindrical connector receiver. Alternatively or additionally, the connector of the tenth aspect may include a resilient portion that may electrically couple to the electrical sensor.

[0076] According to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, an absorbent article may include a liquid permeable topsheet layer; a liquid impermeable backsheet layer; an absorbent core layer that may be between the topsheet layer and the backsheet layer; an air permeable layer that may be between the topsheet layer and the backsheet layer and that may be above the absorbent core layer; and a sensor that may be provided on at least one of the topsheet layer, backsheet layer, core layer and air permeable layer. The sensor of the eleventh aspect may be configured to sense a presence of liquid that may be within the absorbent article and to sense a presence of a patient that may be on the absorbent article in the absence of any liquid within the absorbent article. The absorbent article of the eleventh aspect also may include a connector that may be adjacent at least one of the topsheet layer, backsheet layer, core layer, and air permeable layer. The connector of the eleventh aspect may be configured to connect with a blower to move air through the air permeable layer and provide electrical communication with the sensor. The connector of the eleventh aspect also may be configured to mate with a hose interface of a hose that may be in pneumatic communication with the blower.

[0077] In some embodiments of the absorbent article of the eleventh aspect, the air permeable layer may include at least one of foam and a 3-D spacer material. For example, the air permeable layer of the eleventh aspect may include a high porosity foam material.Attorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1 Alternatively or additionally, the topsheet layer of the eleventh aspect may include at least one of a woven and nonwoven material. Further alternatively or additionally, the backsheet layer of the eleventh aspect may include at least one of a breathable polyethylene film and a polypropylene (PP) spunbond nonwoven. Optionally, the connector of the eleventh aspect may include a generally cylindrical connector.

[0078] If desired, the sensor of the eleventh aspect may include at least one of a conductive fabric, a conductive strip, and a conductive trace. Also if desired, the connector of the eleventh aspect may include at least one electrical contact that may be configured to provide electrical communication with the sensor. Optionally, the at least one electrical contact of the eleventh aspect may include a pair of electrical contacts that may include first and second pins that may be situated, at least in part, in a bore of the connector through which air moved by the blower may pass. Further optionally, the connector of the eleventh aspect may include at least one spring that may be configured to bias the pair of electrical contacts relative to the hose interface. Still further optionally, the connector of the eleventh aspect may include a generally cylindrical connector receiver that may be adjacent at least one of the topsheet layer, backsheet layer, core layer, and air permeable layer. In such arrangements, the sensor of the eleventh aspect may include a first contact region and a second contact region that may be accessible through the generally cylindrical connector receiver. Alternatively or additionally, the connector of the eleventh aspect may include a resilient portion that may electrically couple to the sensor.

[0079] The present disclosure contemplates that a mattress may have the absorbent article of any of the ninth, tenth, or eleventh aspects integrated therein. For example, a mattress may include a mattress topper portion that may be provided, at least in part, by the absorbent article of any of the ninth, tenth, or eleventh aspects.

[0080] Additional features, which alone or in combination with any other feature(s), such as those listed above and those listed in the claims, may comprise patentable subject matter and will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the embodiments as presently perceived. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0081] The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying figures in which:Attorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1

[0082] Fig.1 is a diagrammatic view of a microclimate system incorporating an incontinence pad in accordance with an embodiment;

[0083] Fig.2 is another diagrammatic view of an embodiment of the microclimate system shown in Fig.1;

[0084] Fig.3 is a diagrammatic view of a microclimate system incorporating a wearable brief or diaper in accordance with an alternative embodiment;

[0085] Fig.4 is a diagrammatic view of another embodiment of a brief or diaper in accordance with yet another embodiment;

[0086] Fig.5 is a cross-sectional view of a cable of the Fig.4 embodiment taken along line 5-5 of Fig.4;

[0087] Fig.6 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an incontinence pad in accordance with an embodiment;

[0088] Fig.7 is a diagrammatic view of a patient support system incorporating the incontinence pad described herein;

[0089] Fig.8 is a perspective view of a chuck pad in accordance with another embodiment supported on a mattress of a patient bed, the chuck pad having a flap hanging downwardly alongside the mattress, and the chuck pad having a connector coupled to a connector receiver attached to the flap for delivery of air to a microclimate management (MCM) layer of the chuck pad and to electrically couple to a pair of incontinence detection electrodes of the chuck pad;

[0090] Fig.9 is a perspective view of the patient bed and chuck pad of Fig.8 showing a control unit attached to a footboard of the patient bed and a hose extending between the control unit and the connector;

[0091] Fig.10 is a perspective view of the control unit of Fig.9 with the hose detached;

[0092] Fig.11 is an enlarged perspective view of the connector at a distal end of the hose coupled to the connector receiver of the chuck pad;

[0093] Fig.12 is a perspective view of the connector of Fig.11 showing a pair of electrical contacts in the form of first and second pins that are situated, in part, within a bore of the connector defined by a generally cylindrical wall of the connector and extending beyond the connector, the first and second pins being retained by a pin carrier of the connector, and the pin carrier also retaining a pair of springs to bias the first and second pins outwardly beyond an edge of the generally cylindrical wall;

[0094] Fig.13 is a perspective view of a patient bed supporting a chuck pad, similar to the chuck pad of Fig.8, on a mattress of the patient bed, the chuck pad having an alternativeAttorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1 embodiment connector coupled to a connector receiver attached to a flap of the chuck pad for delivery of air to a microclimate management (MCM) layer of the chuck pad and to electrically couple to a pair of incontinence detection electrodes of the chuck pad;

[0095] Fig.14A is an enlarged perspective view, similar to Fig.11, of the alternative embodiment connector coupled to the connector receiver of the chuck pad, the alternative embodiment connector including a connector head having a generally U-shaped sidewall;

[0096] Fig.14B is a cross sectional view, taken along line 14B-14B of Fig.14A, showing electrical contacts of the connector engaging electrical contacts of the connector receiver and showing, diagrammatically, the electrical contacts of the connector being electrically coupled to wires in an interior region of the connector and the electrical contacts of the connector receiver being electrically coupled to electrodes of the chuck pad, and also showing diagrammatically, air flow from a plenum space defined through the connector and connector receiver into an microclimate management (MCM) layer of the chuck pad;

[0097] Fig.15 is an enlarged perspective view, similar to Fig.14, but with the connector head removed from the alternative embodiment connector receiver and showing the alternative embodiment connector receiver having a generally U-shaped groove for receipt of a generally U-shaped ridge of the connector head;

[0098] Fig.16 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a chuck pad according to the present disclosure, showing the chuck pad having a series of hand grip openings formed adjacent to opposite side edges of the chuck pad for use in transferring a patient on the chuck pad from one patient support apparatus to another, the chuck pad having a connector and a connector receiver like that shown in Fig.13, and showing the control unit coupled to the footboard of the bed with the hose extending between the control unit and the connector of the alternative embodiment chuck pad;

[0099] Fig.17 is a top plan view of the chuck pad of Fig.16 showing the series of hand grip openings formed adjacent to opposite side edges of the chuck pad for use in transferring a patient on the chuck pad from one patient support apparatus to another;

[0100] Fig.18 is an exploded perspective view of a further embodiment of a chuck pad according to the present disclosure showing the chuck pad having, from top to bottom, a fluid permeable topsheet, a first absorbent core layer, a reticulated foam layer for MCM air circulation, a second absorbent core layer, and a backsheet having conductive traces thereon to serve as a pair of incontinence detection electrodes and / or as a capacitor for patient presence detection, and also showing components of an associated connector and connector receiver for coupling to a corner region of the chuck pad;Attorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1

[0101] Fig.19A is a perspective view of a connector, similar to Fig.12, but from a different viewing angle;

[0102] Fig.19B is a side elevation view of the connector of Fig.19A;

[0103] Fig.19C is a bottom plan view of the connector of Fig.19A;

[0104] Fig.20 is a top plan view of the backsheet of Fig.18 showing a pattern of the conductive electrode traces on the back sheet and having an enlarged portion show first and second contact regions at the ends of the pair of electrodes configured for engagement with the first and second pins of the connector;

[0105] Fig.21 is a perspective view of an alternative patient presence detection sheet having capacitive strips in an intersecting pattern and operable to detect presence of a patient on a corresponding chuck pad;

[0106] Fig.22 is a block diagram showing components of the control unit coupled to a corresponding chuck pad, showing that the chuck pad may include one or more additional features for patient care, and showing other portions of the patient bed and a healthcare information system to which the chuck pad apparatus communicates; and

[0107] Fig.23 is an exploded perspective view showing an alternative embodiment of a connector head arranged for connection to an alternative embodiment of a connector receiver, the alternative embodiment connector head having portions broken away to show a circular hole in a bottom wall that aligns with a similar hole formed in a bottom wall of the connector receiver when the connector head is coupled to the connector receiver, the alternative embodiment connector head having a pair of leaf spring contacts molded into the respective bottom wall for spring biased engagement with respective contact pads that are situated on the associated chuck pad within corresponding notches formed in the bottom wall of the alternative embodiment connector receiver. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0108] While the concepts of the present disclosure are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific exemplary embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the concepts of the present disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.Attorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1

[0109] The embodiments described herein include disposable or launderable absorbent articles, such as incontinence pads (also known as chuck pads or chuck pads) that are connected to an active airflow to provide or enhance the microclimate management performance. In some embodiments, the incontinence pad is used with a control box. In some embodiments, the control box is integrated into a frame or a surface of a patient support structure to have a quick disconnect for airflow to the incontinence pad. The embodiments described herein remove the restrictions on heat and moisture removal of typical incontinence pads. In one embodiment, incontinence detection is built into the incontinence pad to alert when the pad is wet. In such an embodiment, humidity sensors detect the wetness in the incontinent pad. Incontinence detection is performed by measuring the humidity of an inlet and an outlet of the incontinence pad to know if the pad is wet. The quick disconnect includes both air and electrical connections, in some embodiments. Microclimate management is provided by active airflow or by any other means of removing heat and moisture from the patient / pad interface.

[0110] The described embodiments remove the restrictions and limitations of the current technology by placing the microclimate management performance at the patient interface. The described embodiments eliminate the reduction in performance that occurs from current workflow issues of the clinician using incontinence pads on a high performance microclimate management surface. Alternatively, the embodiments are usable as a stand-alone product that adds microclimate management to a passive foam product. The described embodiments are also capable of detecting an incontinent event which helps caregivers to replace the incontinence pads quickly upon the incontinence event further reducing the risk of pressure injury.

[0111] Referring to Fig.1, a patient support apparatus 10, embodied as a patient bed, includes a microclimate management system 12 that incorporates an absorbent article in the form of an incontinence pad 14. It will be appreciated that the microclimate management system 12 and incontinence pad 14 are usable with any type of patient support apparatus, including patient beds, stretchers, chairs, or the like. The patient support apparatus 10 includes a patient support surface 16, for example, a patient support surface 16 (e.g., a mattress) configured for supporting a patient.

[0112] The microclimate management system 12 includes a pneumatic system 20 to conduct air to and from the incontinence pad 14. The pneumatic system 20 includes an inlet blower 22 to conduct atmospheric air through an inlet line 24, such as a hose, to the incontinence pad 14. An inlet humidity sensor 26 is positioned in or is otherwise pneumatically coupled to the inlet line 24 of the incontinence pad 14. The inlet humidity sensor 26 detects anAttorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1 inlet humidity of the air entering the incontinence pad 14. The pneumatic system 20 also includes an outlet blower 30 to draw air from the incontinence pad 14 through an outlet line 32, such as a hose, to the atmosphere. An outlet humidity sensor 34 is positioned in or is otherwise pneumatically coupled to the outlet line 32. The outlet humidity sensor 34 detects an outlet humidity of the air exiting the incontinence pad 14.

[0113] The incontinence pad 14 is positioned between a patient and the patient support surface 16. The incontinence pad 14 is situated on a top surface 38 of the patient support surface 16 or on bed sheets placed over the surface 38. The inlet line 24 of the incontinence pad 14 includes a first section 40 coupled to the incontinence pad 14 and a second section 42 couple to the inlet blower 22. The inlet line 24 includes an inlet quick connector 44 to couple the first section 40 to the second section 42. In the exemplary embodiment, the inlet humidity sensor 26 is positioned in the second section 42. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the inlet humidity sensor 26 is positioned in the first section 40.

[0114] The outlet line 32 of the incontinence pad 14 includes a first section 50 coupled to the incontinence pad 14 and a second section 52 coupled to the outlet blower 30. The outlet line 32 includes an outlet quick connector 54 to couple the first section 50 to the second section 52. In the exemplary embodiment, the outlet humidity sensor 34 is positioned in the second section 52. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the outlet humidity sensor 34 is positioned in the first section 50. The inlet quick connector 44 and the outlet quick connector 54 enable a caregiver to quick change the incontinence pad 14, for example, when the incontinence pad 14 becomes soiled.

[0115] The pneumatic system 20 includes a controller 60 that provides power to and controls each of the electrical components. An inlet blower connection 62 provides power to and control signals to the inlet blower 22. An outlet blower connection 64 provides power to and control signals to the outlet blower 30. In some embodiments, the controller 60 is electrically coupled to a user interface (not shown) that enables a user to control the operation of the inlet blower 22 and the outlet blower 30. Accordingly, a caregiver can adjust the air flow through the incontinence pad 14 to optimize patient comfort and / or microclimate management performance.

[0116] An inlet humidity sensor connection 70 provides power to the inlet humidity sensor 26 and enables the inlet humidity sensor 26 to send signals to the controller 60 indicative of the inlet humidity in the inlet line 24. In some embodiments, the inlet humidity sensor connection 70 is wired through the inlet line 24 to the inlet humidity sensor 26 to reduce the number of connections between the pneumatic system 20 and the incontinence pad 14. AnAttorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1 outlet humidity sensor connection 72 provides power to the outlet humidity sensor 34 and enables the outlet humidity sensor 34 to send signals to the controller 60 indicative of the outlet humidity in the outlet line 32. In some embodiments, the outlet humidity sensor connection 72 is wired through the outlet line 32 to the outlet humidity sensor 34 to reduce the number of connections between the pneumatic system 20 and the incontinence pad 14.

[0117] The controller 60 compares an outlet humidity detected by the outlet humidity sensor 34 to an inlet humidity detected by the inlet humidity sensor 26 to obtain a humidity differential (aka humidity difference value) between the inlet humidity sensor 26 and the outlet humidity sensor 34. The controller 60 activates an indicator 80 to alert a caregiver to change the incontinence pad 14 based on the comparison of the outlet humidity to the inlet humidity. That is, if the humidity difference value between the inlet humidity sensor 26 and the outlet humidity sensor 34 exceeds a threshold value, the alert to change pad 14 is given. In the exemplary embodiment, the indicator 80 is incorporated into the controller 60, but yet visible to caregivers if alert 80 is a visual alert. In some embodiments, the indicator 80 is connected to the patient support apparatus 10. In some embodiments, the alert is sent in the form of a message to a nurse call system. In some embodiments, the indicator 80 is provided on a mobile device of a caregiver. In some embodiments, the indicator 80 is provided at a nurse’s station in a health care facility.

[0118] In some embodiments, the controller 60 activates the indicator 80 in response to a ratio of the outlet humidity to the inlet humidity being at a predetermined ratio for a predetermined period of time. In some embodiments, the predetermined ratio is between about 1.1 and about 2. In some embodiments, the controller 60 activates the indicator 80 in response to the outlet humidity at outlet humidity sensor 34 being 100% of relative humidity as measured by inlet humidity sensor 26. In such embodiments, an incontinence event is considered to have occurred if the humidity measured by outlet humidity sensor 34 is twice the humidity measured by the inlet humidity sensor 26. An increase in humidity between the outlet humidity sensor 34 and the inlet humidity sensor 26 by other amounts, such as 10%, 20%, 50%, or 75%, just to give some arbitrary examples, is also within the scope of the present disclosure, as are any other amounts that may be appropriate based on experimental data and the construction parameters (e.g. density, absorbency, size, etc.) of the pad 14.

[0119] Referring to Fig.2, the incontinence pad 14 is movable along the top surface 38 of the patient support surface 16 to underlie a pelvic region 92 of a patient 90 lying supine on the patient support structure 16. The incontinence pad 14 is positionable to collect any liquids that would otherwise soil the patient support surface 16. In some embodiments, theAttorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1 incontinence pad 14 is positioned on the patient support surface 16 before the patient 90 and is then moved into an optimal position. In other embodiments, the incontinence pad 14 is positioned on the patient support surface 16 while the patient 90 is positioned on the patient support surface 16. A soiled incontinence pad 14 is configured to be disconnected from the pneumatic system 20 and removed from the patient support surface 16 while the patient 90 is positioned on the patient support surface 16. The incontinence pad 14 is then replaced with another, clean incontinence pad 14.

[0120] In the illustrated embodiment, the pneumatic system 20 is coupled to a footboard 96 of the patient support apparatus 10. While footboard 96 is shown in Fig.2 as extending upwardly from patient support surface 16, due to the diagrammatic nature of Fig.2, it should be understood that footboard 96 is included as part of a bed frame of bed 10. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the pneumatic system 20 is coupled to other parts of the patient support apparatus 10, for example a headboard, a siderail, or another portion of the bed frame of the patient support apparatus 10. The pneumatic system 20 is configured to be coupled to and usable with any patient support apparatus, for example, a patient support apparatus having a foam mattress. In some embodiments, the pneumatic system 20 is configured to be positioned in the patient support surface, for example, the mattress, of a patient support apparatus. In some embodiments, the incontinence pad 14 is configured to couple to an existing microclimate management system of a patient support apparatus. In such an embodiment, the inlet line 24 and the outlet line 32 are fluidly coupled to flow paths of the existing microclimate management system. In some embodiments, the air discharged by the existing microclimate management system is entirely directed into the incontinence pad 14. In other embodiments, the air discharged by the existing microclimate management system is bifurcated so that a portion of the air flows to the incontinence pad 14 and another portion flows to a patient support surface of the patient support apparatus.

[0121] Fig.3 illustrates an absorbent article in the form of a wearable brief or diaper 100 that is configured to be worn around the pelvic region 92 of the patient 90. The pneumatic system 20 is coupled to the brief 100 with an umbilical line 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the line 102 is attached to the brief 100 at a center 104 of the brief 100 at a crotch region of brief 100, similar to urinary catheter tubes. The line 102 is positioned between the patient’s legs 110 to minimize tangling of the line 102 with patient 90. However, as illustrated in Fig.4, the line 102, in some embodiments, is coupled to an extension 120 made from similar or softer textiles as the brief 100 to allow air flow on the side of the patient’s waist. In someAttorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1 embodiments, the extension 120 includes soft internal spacer material to minimize the interface pressure if the patient 90 rolls over onto extension 120.

[0122] Referring to Fig.5, the line 102 includes an air inlet conduit 130 to deliver air from the pneumatic system 20 to the brief 100. After the air circulates through the brief 100, an air outlet conduit 132 discharges the air from the brief 100 back to the pneumatic system 20. In some embodiments, the air inlet conduit 130 includes or is otherwise pneumatically coupled to an inlet humidity sensor 140 and the air outlet conduit 132 includes or is otherwise pneumatically coupled to an outlet humidity sensor 142. An electrical line 150 is integrated within the line 102 to power the inlet humidity sensor 140 and the outlet humidity sensor 142. The electrical line 150 also enables the inlet humidity sensor 140 and the outlet humidity sensor 142 to send signals back to the controller 60 so that the controller 60 can compare the inlet humidity detected by the inlet humidity sensor 140 to the outlet humidity detected by the outlet humidity sensor 142, as described above in connection with Fig.1. Incorporating the inlet conduit 130, the outlet conduit 132, and the electrical line 150 into a single line 102 prevents tangling of the inlet conduit 130, the outlet conduit 132, and the electrical line 150 if the patient rolls over. In some embodiments, the line 102 includes a soft spacer material 160 inside to prevent discomfort or high interface pressure if laid on by the patient. The connection to the pneumatic system 20 provides the necessary air flow and monitors the electrical signal for incontinence detection.

[0123] Referring now to Fig.6, the materials, in some embodiments, of incontinence pad 14 and brief 100 includes a patient layer 200 formed from a breathable or liquid permeable fabric that is in contact with patient skin or with a garment or garments worn by the patient. For example, the patient layer 200 of the incontinence pad 14 faces upward from the patient support surface 16 and contacts the patient 90, when the patient is positioned on the patient support surface 16. The patient layer 200 of the brief 100 forms an inside layer of the briefs or diaper. The patient layer 200 is both vapor and liquid permeable.

[0124] An air flow layer 202 is formed from a 3-D textile (spacer) made from polyester or reticulated polyurethane foam that allows air circulation for microclimate management. The thickness of the air flow layer 202 is within a range of about 3 mm to about 15 mm or higher. The air flow layer 202 is air permeable and in fluid communication with the respective inlet line 24, 130, as the case may be, and outlet line 32, 132, as the case may be. The three-dimensional material of the air flow layer 202 is configured to conduct air between the patient layer 200 and an outer layer 206 (described below) of the absorbent article 14, 100.Attorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1

[0125] An absorbent layer 204 is formed from any absorbent material, such as cotton material, fluff pulp, cellulose fibers, or other cloth-like material, and configured to hold moisture from the patient for a long duration to prevent patient discomfort. The absorbent layer 204 is optional and its material is based on comfort and use conditions. The absorbent layer 204 is also optional based on whether the absorbent article 14, 100 is disposable or reusable.

[0126] The outer layer 206 is formed from a non-breathable, highly durable, coated textile material, for example a polyurethane coated durable fabric. The outer layer 206 of the incontinence pad 14 positions against the patient support surface 16 or against bed sheets covering the surface 16. The outer layer 206 forms an outside layer of the briefs or diaper 100 as well. The outer layer 206 is liquid impermeable and prevents fluid exposure to the patient support surface 16.

[0127] All of the layers of the incontinence pad 14, 100 are stitched together. In some embodiments, air flow channels are defined by partitions 170 stitched into or otherwise formed in the absorbent article 14, 100 to provide discrete flow paths for air entry and exit, as indicated diagrammatically by arrows 172 in Figs.1, 3, and 4. In some embodiments, the absorbent article 14, 100 is disposable. If the absorbent article 14, 100 is made as a single use pad, low- cost reticulated foam with liquid permeable / moisture permeable textiles and additional absorbent materials are used to form the absorbent article 14, 100. In some embodiments, the absorbent article 14, 100 is machine washable. In some embodiments, the air flow layer 202 is launderable up to 40 degrees Celsius, for example. The incontinence pad 14 and brief 100 include the materials and layers described in Fig.6 and the incontinence detection systems described in Figs.1-5.

[0128] The present disclosure contemplates that the incontinence pad 14, with its microclimate management functionality is integrated into a patient chuck pad. Such integration allows for a single pad to be placed beneath the patient rather than having to use a separate incontinence pad and chuck pad. The single pad 14 has the durability and ability to be laundered like traditional chuck pads, but includes the incontinence detection and microclimate functionality that is absent from traditional chuck pads.

[0129] Referring to Fig.7, the present disclosure contemplates that the system described herein is incorporated into a patient support apparatus 300 having a mattress base 302 including at least one of a foam layer 304 and an air bladder layer 306, wherein a moisture control layer 308 is supported by the mattress base 302 and configured for placement adjacent a patient. A pneumatic system 310 moves air into the moisture control layer 308 via an inlet line 312 and away from the moisture control layer 308 via an outlet line 314. An inlet humidity sensor 316 isAttorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1 in pneumatic communication with the inlet line 312. An outlet humidity sensor 318 is in pneumatic communication with the outlet line 314. A controller 320 compares an outlet humidity detected by the outlet humidity sensor 318 with an inlet humidity detected by the inlet humidity sensor 316 to detect an incontinence event. The controller 320 outputs an alert signal in response to detection of the incontinence event. The moisture control layer 308 removes moisture from the patient via the moving air. The moisture control layer 308 also cools the patient via the moving air. The apparatus 300 is enclosed by at least one coverlet 322. The moisture control layer 308 includes a 3-D spacer material, in some embodiments. An incontinence pad sits on top of the moisture control layer 308, in some embodiments. An incontinence pad sits in the moisture control layer 308, in some embodiments. The controller 320 controls a pressure of the air bladders 306, in some embodiments. Further description of the patient support apparatus 300 is provided in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2023 / 0095213, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

[0130] Referring now to Fig.8, a chuck pad apparatus 330 includes a chuck pad 332 supported on a mattress 334 of a bed frame 336 of a patient bed 338. In the illustrative embodiment, patient bed 338 comprises the CENTRELLA® Smart+ Bed available from Hill- Rom Company, Inc. of Batesville, IN, USA. Additional details of patient bed 338, therefore, may be found in U.S. Patent No.10,517,784 which is hereby incorporated by reference herein to the extent not inconsistent with the present disclosure which shall control as to any inconsistencies. As will be described in further detail below, chuck pad 332 has a microclimate management layer through which pressurized air is directed for removal of heat and moisture from an overlying patient and an incontinence detection sensor to detect incontinence expelled by the patient. In some embodiments, chuck pad 332 also has a patient presence sensor to detect whether a patient is present above the chuck pad 332 or absent.

[0131] A connector 340 is provided at a distal end of a hose 342 of chuck pad apparatus 330 and is configured for removable coupling to a connector receiver 344 provided on a flap 346 of chuck pad 332. Flap 346 hangs downwardly from a rectangular main portion 348 of chuck pad 332 so as to be situated alongside a side surface of mattress 334 when chuck pad 332 is placed upon mattress 334 as shown in Figs.8 and 9. Hose 342 extends between connector 340 and a control unit 350 as shown in Fig.9. Control unit 350 includes a housing 352 that hangs on a footboard 354 of patient bed 338 with hooks 356 that are attached to housing 352 in the illustrative example shown in Fig.9. As will be discussed in further detail below, housing 352 of control unit 350 carries a blower that, when turned on, forces pressurized air through hose 342 into the MCM layer of chuck pad 332 via connector 340 and connector receiver 344.Attorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1 Housing 352 also carries control circuitry that controls operation of the blower as well as any incontinence detection sensor and patient presence sensor contained within chuck pad 332.

[0132] In some embodiments, the incontinence detection sensor of chuck pad 332 includes a pair of electrodes (e.g,, first and second electrodes) therein as will be described in further detail below in connection with Fig.20. As shown in Fig.8, a pair of conductors 358, such as wires, are provided within a bore of hose 342 in the illustrative example. Wires 358 electrically couple to the respective first and second electrodes of chuck pad 332 and to the control circuitry of control unit 350. In alternative embodiments, wires 358 are embedded in, or molded into, a sidewall of hose 342, such as being contained within a sheathed cable that is molded into the sidewall of hose 342, for example. Such a cable is coiled around the bore of hose 342 in a helical pattern in some embodiments and simply runs along a length of hose 342 in other embodiments.

[0133] A shown in Fig.9, a connector 360 is provided at a proximal end of hose 342 for coupling to control unit 350. Connector 360 includes a cylindrical hose interface 362 that press fits into, or otherwise couples to, the proximal end of hose 342. Connector 360 further includes a generally rectangular wall 364 that couples to a complimentarily shaped generally rectangular wall 366 that protrudes from a sidewall 368 of housing 352 in the manner shown in Fig.10. In the illustrative embodiment, rectangular wall 364 of connector 360 fits over and surrounds generally rectangular wall 366 of housing 352 when connector 360 is coupled to control unit 350. A sealed connection between connector 360 and wall 366 is formed with a press fit or via the provision of a gasket or seal at the interface between connector 360 and wall 366 to prevent or inhibit air leakage. Connector 360 further includes a funnel 370 that spans between generally rectangular wall 364 and cylindrical hose interface 362 and that transitions from the shape of generally rectangular wall 364 to the cylindrical shape of hose interface 362.

[0134] As further shown in Figs.9 and 10, a power receptacle 372 is provided on sidewall 368 of housing 352 of control unit 350 adjacent to generally rectangular wall 366. One end of a power cord (not shown) plugs into receptacle 372 and another end of the power cord plugs into a standard power outlet to receive alternating current (AC) power therefrom. Thus, power for operating the control circuitry and blower of control unit 350 is received via power receptable 372. When control unit 350 is mounted to the headboard 354 of patient bed 338 as shown in Fig.9, power receptacle 372 is situated beneath generally cylindrical wall 366. As shown in Fig.10, a coupling ridge 374 projects slightly from a front wall portion of generally cylindrical wall 366. In some embodiments, coupling ridge 374 is provided by a separate element that is spring biased outwardly relative to the front wall portion of wall 366. An innerAttorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1 surface of a front wall portion of generally cylindrical wall 364 of connector 360 is formed to include an elongated pocket that receives coupling ridge 374 therein when connector 360 is coupled to wall 366. Thus, coupling ridge 374 helps retain connector 360 on wall 366 when coupled thereto, but allows for connector 360 to be detached from wall 366 if a sufficient amount of force is applied to connector 360 to slide it off of wall 366 and away from wall 368 of housing 352. In some embodiments, a similar type of coupling ridge (not shown) if provided on a rear wall portion of wall 366 opposite from the front wall portion.

[0135] With continued reference to Fig.10, a partition wall 376 is provided within generally rectangular wall 366 and bridges between the front and rear wall portions to divide the space surrounded by wall 366 into an electrical connection space 378 and a pneumatic passage space 380. Electrical connection space 378 receives an electrical connector (not shown) carried within connector 360 for mating connection to another electrical connector (not shown) situated within space 378. Conductors 358 within hose 342 terminate at the electrical connector of connector 360. Pneumatic space 380 provides a pneumatic passage for pressurized air to flow from the blower though funnel 370 and cylindrical hose interface 362 and then into the bore of hose 342 when hose 342 is coupled to control unit 350 with connector 360. Thus, attachment of connector 360 to control unit 350 at generally rectangular wall 366 provides for generally simultaneous pneumatic coupling of the blower of control unit 350 to the MCM layer of chuck pad 332 via hose 342 and electrical coupling of the control circuitry of control unit 350 to the incontinence detection sensor of chuck pad 332 via conductors 358. In this regard, generally rectangular wall 366 of housing 352 of control unit 350 serves as a dual pneumatic and electrical connector.

[0136] Control unit 350 further includes a graphical user interface (GUI) 382 at a front wall 384 of housing 352. As such, front wall 384 has a large opening 386 in registry with GUI 382 and through which, or within which, is viewable and touchable. Therefore, GUI 382 comprises a touchscreen display in the illustrative embodiment. Accordingly, various user input buttons and icons are displayed on GUI 382 for election by a user to control operation of the blower of control unit 350 and other features and functions of chuck pad apparatus 330. Various alert messages and icons are displayed on GUI under appropriate circumstances as well. For example, if incontinence is detected by the incontinence detection sensor of chuck pad 332 and the associated circuitry of control unit 350, an incontinence icon (e.g., a water droplet icon) is displayed on GUI 382. In some embodiments, an audible alert is sounded via a speaker or buzzer of control unit 350 in addition to, or in lieu of, the display of the incontinence icon.Attorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1

[0137] In some embodiments, the control circuitry of control unit 350 communicates with circuitry of patient bed 338 such as through an electrical cable 388 and electrical connector 390 shown in Fig.10. In such embodiments, a GUI 389 mounted to a siderail 391 of patient bed 338, as shown in Fig.8, may be used in addition to, or in lieu of GUI 382 of control unit 350, to control various functions of chuck pad apparatus 330. To facilitate coupling of the circuitry of control unit 350 with the circuitry of patient bed 338, an electrical connector that mates with electrical connector 390 is provided on the patient bed, such as being provided on headboard 354 or on a frame member (e.g., a foot end frame member 393 shown in Fig.9) of frame 336 of patient bed 338.

[0138] Referring now to Fig.11, a close-up view of connector 340 coupled to connector receiver 344 is shown. Connector 340 includes a generally circular top wall 392 and a substantially cylindrical sidewall 394 extending from a periphery of circular top wall 392. A generally tubular hose interface 396 extends radially outwardly with respect to cylindrical sidewall 394 and intersects a circular corner region defined at the junctions between top wall 392 and sidewall 394. A hose connection barb 398 is formed at a distal end of tubular hose interface 396. The distal end of hose 342 press fits, or is otherwise coupled to, hose connection barb 398 as shown in Fig.11. In the illustrative embodiment, walls 392, 394, and tubular hose interface 396 along with its hose connection barb 398 are formed integrally from a plastics material of suitable strength. A connection pin 400 is formed integrally with substantially cylindrical sidewall 394 and extends radially outwardly therefrom.

[0139] Connector receiver 344 includes a substantially cylindrical sidewall 402 which is sized to accommodate substantially cylindrical sidewall 394 of connector 340 therein with minimal clearance (e.g., less than about 0.1”) therebetween. Connector receiver 344 further includes a circular flange 404 that extends radially outwardly from sidewall 402 at one end thereof. Flange 404 abuts flap 346 of chuck pad and is attached thereto with suitable fasteners such as adhesive, screws, bolts, rivets, dowels, pins, or the like, including combinations of these. In this regard, flange 404 is formed to include multiple apertures or holes 406 for receipt of such fasteners therethrough. Connector receiver 344 further has a somewhat L-shaped pin receiving slot 408 formed in sidewall 402. L-shaped slot 408 has a first slot portion 410 that is open at an edge 411 of sidewall 402 spaced from flange 404 and though which connection pin 400 moves as connector 340 is moved in an axial direction parallel with a central axis 416, shown in Fig.12. L-shaped slot 408 also has a second slot portion 412 through which connection pin 400 moves as connector 340 is rotated about the central axis 416 after pin 400 reaches the junction between portions 410, 412 of L-shaped slot 408. A notch 414 is providedAttorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1 at an end of second portion 412 of slot 408 and pin 400 is received in notch 414 to retain connector 340 in its coupled condition to connector receiver 344.

[0140] Based on the foregoing, it can be seen that top wall 392 and sidewall 394 of connector 340 resemble somewhat of a puck and that sidewall 402 and flange 404 of connector receiver 344 resemble somewhat of a top hat that receives the puck portion of connector 34 therein. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that connector 340 is inserted into a bore defined by sidewall 402 of connector receiver 344 and then rotated or twisted through an angle about axis 416, such as rotation through an angle of about 45°, so that pin 400 moves through portions 410, 412 of L-shaped slot 408 for ultimate receipt in notch 414. After connector 340 is coupled to connector receiver 344, tubular hose interface 396 extends radially outwardly from top wall 392 and sidewall 394 over edge 411 of sidewall 402 and beyond an outer circular peripheral edge 418 of flange 404 as shown in Fig.11.

[0141] Referring now to Fig.12, it can be seen that tubular hose interface 396 and its barb 398 are formed to define a bore 420 therethrough and that cylindrical sidewall 394 defines a bore 422 therein. It should be appreciated that bore 420 is in pneumatic communication with bore 422 so that pressurized air entering bore 420 from hose 342 passes from bore 420 into bore 422 and then into chuck pad 332 through connector receiver 344. A pair of electrical contacts, in the form of first and second pins 424, 426 made of a conductive metal material are situated, in part, in bore 422 of connector 340.

[0142] First and second pins 424, 426 are retained by a pin carrier 428 of connector 340. Pin carrier 428 is a flat, plate-like element having four spokes or arms 430a, 430b, 430c, 430d that merge together in a central region of bore 422. Distal ends of spokes 430a, 430b, 430c are fastened to respective generally cylindrical bosses 432 that project from an inner surface of top wall 392 in substantially parallel relation with axis 416. In the illustrative example, hex bolts 434 serve as the fasteners to couple pin carrier 428 to bosses 432 but other types of fasteners, such as those mentioned previously herein, may be used, if desired. Pin 424 extends through an aperture or hole 425 provided in the central region of the pin carrier 428 and pin 426 extends through an aperture or hole 427 provided in the distal end of spoke 430d. As is apparent in Fig. 12, axis 416 of connector 340 passes through pin 424 and aperture 425, whereas pin 426 and aperture 427 are offset radially from axis 416. Thus, pins 424, 426 are generally parallel with each other with pin 424 being aligned and generally coaxial with axis 416.

[0143] Connector 340 includes first and second springs 436, 438 that bias the respective first and second pins 424, 426 outwardly beyond an edge 440 of generally cylindrical wall 394. Spring retainers 442 project from the inner surface of top wall 392 and retain springs 436, 438Attorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1 in place relative to walls 392, 394 of connector 340 but allow springs 436, 438 to resiliently compress and uncompress. Spring retainers 442 are each embodied as arcuate wall segments that are spaced apart from each other around the respective spring 436, 438. For example, each sprint retainer may include three such arcuate wall segments around each respective spring 436, 438. In the illustrative embodiment, bosses 432 and spring retainers 442 are molded integrally with top wall 392.

[0144] As will be described in further detail below in connection with Figs.19A, 19B, 19C, and 20, the distal ends of pins 424, 426 engage contact regions of the pair of electrodes of the incontinence detection sensor of chuck pad 332 to provide electrical contact therebetween. Thus, electrical conductors 358 are routed into bore 422 of connector 340 and are attached to pins 424, 426 such as by welding or soldering or any other suitable method including use of a metallic clamp or a small bolt, just to name a couple alternative possibilities. As connector 340 is coupled to the connector receiver 344 as described above, therefore, ends of pins 424, 426 engage the electrode contact regions of the electrodes and slide axially through apertures 424, 426 toward top wall 392 to compress, or further compress, springs 436, 438. Once connector 340 is coupled to connector receiver 344 as shown in Fig.11, pins 424, 426 are spring biased by respective springs 436, 438 into electrical contact with the contact regions of the electrodes of the incontinence detection sensor of chuck pad 332.

[0145] Referring now to Fig.13, chuck pad 332 of chuck pad apparatus 330 is provided with an alternative embodiment connector 444 and an alternative embodiment connector receiver 446. Otherwise, chuck pad apparatus 330 of Fig.13 is substantially the same as chuck pad apparatus of Fig.8 and so the same reference numbers are used to denote like components of the chuck pad apparatus 330 and patient bed 338 in Fig.13 as were used in Fig.8, and the descriptions are not repeated except where notable differences exist. In Fig.13, for example, a patient is shown supported on the patient bed 338. Chuck pad 332 is of sufficient size to underlie the patient’s pelvic region and legs. In the illustrative example, chuck pad 332 spans a longitudinal distance from the patient’s waist to the patient’s ankles and spans laterally across a full width of mattress 334 of patient bed 338.

[0146] Referring now to Fig.14A, a close-up view of connector 444 coupled to connector receiver 446 is shown. Connector 444 comprises a connector head 448 having a substantially U-shaped sidewall 450 and a generally flat top wall 452 that cooperates with side wall 450 to define a plenum space 454 within connector head 448 as shown in Fig.14B. Connector receiver 446, which is sometimes referred to herein as head receiver 446, includes a U-shaped sidewall 456 having an outer periphery that is shaped similar to the outer periphery ofAttorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1 sidewall 450 of connector head 448 so that when connector 444 is coupled to connector receiver 446, walls 450, 456 cooperate to form a contiguous U-shaped surface 450, 456. As shown in Fig.15, connector receiver 446 includes a bottom wall 458 that abuts flap 346 and is coupled thereto with a suitable fastener such as adhesive. Connector receiver 446 also includes a generally U-shaped lip 460 that extends inwardly from an upper region of wall 456 in parallel relation with bottom wall 458. Thus, lip 460 and sidewall 456 cooperate to provide connector receiver 446 with a substantially U-shaped receiver groove 462 at the periphery of connector receiver 446 but that is open at an entrance end 464 of connector receiver 446 as shown in Fig. 15.

[0147] Connector 444 has a generally U-shaped ridge or lip 466, shown in Fig.14B, that is complimentary in shape with groove 462 of connector receiver 446 and that slides into groove 462 when connector head 448 is coupled to head receiver 446. In some embodiments, ridge 466 is received within groove 462 so as to have a press fit (aka an interference fit) with lip 460 and bottom wall 458. Connector 444 includes a U-shaped groove that is shaped to receive lip 460 therein when connector 444 is coupled to receiver 446 as shown in Fig.14B. Thus, the U-shaped groove of connector 444 is complementary in shape with lip 466 of connector receiver 446. The substantially U-shaped groove of connector 444 is formed therein adjacent to substantially U-shaped ridge 466.

[0148] As shown in Fig.14B, first and second electrical contacts or pads 468, 470 are provided on substantially U-shaped ridge 466 of connector head 448. In the illustrative example, electrical contacts 468, 470 are molded into ridge 466 but are exposed at a bottom surface of ridge 466. In a similar manner, first and second electrical contacts or pads 472, 474 are provided on bottom wall 458 within groove 462. In the illustrative example, electrical pads 472, 474 are molded into bottom wall 458 but are exposed at a top surface of bottom wall 458. As indicated diagrammatically with dashed lines in Fig.14B, electrical pads 468, 470 are electrically coupled to respective wires 358 which extend from connector 444 to control unit 350 and electrical pads 472, 474 are coupled to respective first and second electrodes 476, 478 that are provided on a substrate or backsheet 480 of chuck pad 332. Thus, the pair of conductors 358 are in electrical communication with electrodes 476, 478 of chuck pad 332 through respective electrical pads 468, 472 and electrical pads 470, 474 when connector 444 is connected to connector receiver 446.

[0149] Back wall 458 of connector receiver 446 has a circular hole 482 therethrough as shown best in Fig.15. Hole 482 is in communication with plenum space 454 of connector head 448 when connector head 448 is coupled to head receiver 446 as shown in Fig.14B so thatAttorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1 pressurized air originating from the blower of control unit 350 and forced through hose 342 into plenum space 454 of connector head 448 is able to pass through hole 482 and into an MCM layer 484 of chuck pad 332 as indicated diagrammatically by arrow 486 in Fig.14B. As shown in Fig.14A, connector 444 further includes a generally cylindrical hose interface 488, onto which a distal end of hose 342 press fits or otherwise couples, and a funnel 490 that spans between generally cylindrical hose interface 488 and the generally rectangular end profile formed by the combination of connector 444 and connector receiver 446. Thus, funnel 490 transitions from the cylindrical shape of hose interface 488 to the generally rectangular shape of the end profile. Interior regions of hose interface 488 and funnel 490 are in pneumatic communication with plenum space 454 of connector 444 for air flow purposes.

[0150] Referring now to Fig.16, chuck pad apparatus 330 is shown with an alternative embodiment chuck pad 492 which is larger in the longitudinal dimension than chuck pad 332 of Figs.8 and 13, for example. However, like chuck pad 332 of chuck pad apparatus 330 of Fig. 13, chuck pad 492 of Fig.16 includes the alternative embodiment connector 444 and the alternative embodiment connector receiver 446 coupled to flap 346 of chuck pad 492. Furthermore, chuck pad apparatus 330 of Fig.16 has other elements that are substantially the same as chuck pad apparatus 330 of Figs.8 and 13 and so the same reference numbers are used to denote like components of the chuck pad apparatus 330 and patient bed 338 in Fig.16 as were used in Figs.8 and 13, and the descriptions are not repeated except where notable differences exist.

[0151] As shown in Fig.16, chuck pad 492 includes a series of hand grip openings 494 formed adjacent to opposite side edges of chuck pad 492 for use in transferring the patient on the chuck pad 492 from one patient support apparatus 338 to another. Five hand grip openings 494 are provided adjacent to each side edge of chuck pad 492 and each opening 494 is sized to receive a user’s fingers therethrough during patient transfer. Furthermore, in the illustrative example, chuck pad 492 is of sufficient size to underlie the patient’s head, torso, pelvic region, and legs. Thus, chuck pad 492 spans a longitudinal distance from the patient’s head to the patient’s ankles and spans laterally across a full width of mattress 334 of patient bed 338.

[0152] In some embodiments, the incontinence detection sensor, such as electrodes 476, 478, only occupies an area of chuck pad 492 that is generally beneath the patient’s pelvic region and legs. That is, it is not necessary for the incontinence detection sensor to extend into the region of chuck pad 492 that supports the patient’s head and upper torso above the waist. In a variant embodiment chuck pad 492’, shown in Fig.17, only four hand grip openings 494 are provided adjacent to each side thereof. The hand grip openings that are omitted in chuck padAttorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1 492’ of Fig.17 as compared to chuck pad 492 of Fig.16 are shown in dotted line. Thus, chuck pad 492’ has a group of three hand grip openings 494 on each side adjacent to the patient’s head, torso, and hips (e.g., where most of the patient’s weight is distributed) and a single hand grip opening 494 on each side adjacent to the patient’s feet or ankles. One can imagine a scenario, therefore, in which one caregiver uses two of the group of three openings 494 on one side of chuck pad 492’ near the patient’s upper body and a second caregiver uses the single opening 494 on the same side of chuck pad 492’ with one hand and grasps the control unit 350 with the other, and then the two caregivers work in concert to transfer the patient, chuck pad 492’, control unit 350, and corresponding hose 342 from one patient support apparatus, such as patient bed 338, to another patient support apparatus, such as another patient bed, a transport stretcher, an imaging table, or a surgical table, for example.

[0153] Referring now to Fig.18, an exploded perspective view is shown of a further embodiment of a chuck pad 500 which is similar in size to chuck pad 332 of Figs.8 and 13, for example. In the illustrative example, chuck pad 500 has connector receiver 344 coupled thereto for use with connector 340 in the manner described above in connection with Figs.11 and 12. In other embodiments, chuck pad 500 has connector receiver 446 coupled thereto for use with connector 444 in the manner described above in connection with Figs.14A, 14B, and 15. Furthermore, chuck pad 500 is rectangular in shape and so, does not include flap 346. Nonetheless, the description below of the layers of chuck pad 500 is equally applicable to chuck pad 332 but with the understanding that the layers described also make up flap 346 of chuck pad 332. The present disclosure also contemplates that chuck pads 492, 492’ of Figs.16 and 17 include similar layers as chuck pad 500, in some embodiments, except that the layers are longer in the longitudinal dimension to match the overall length of chuck pads 492, 492’.

[0154] Going from top to bottom in Fig.18, chuck pad 500 includes a fluid permeable topsheet 502, a first absorbent core layer 504 (aka absorbent core 504), a reticulated foam layer 506 for MCM air circulation, a second absorbent core layer 508 (aka absorbent core 508), and backsheet 480 having electrodes 476, 478 formed as conductive traces thereon. Backsheet 480 and electrodes 476, 478 were mentioned above in connection with Fig.14B and so the same reference numbers are used in Fig.18 to denote these elements of chuck pad 332. Reticulated foam layer 506 in Fig.18 corresponds to MCM block 484 of Fig.14B as well.

[0155] In some embodiments of chuck pad 500, the second absorbent core 508 is omitted. Thus, absorbent core 508 is optional. The layers of chuck pad 500 are substantially similar to layers found in the WATCHARE™ Incontinence Detection Pad sold in the past by Hill-Rom Company, Inc. In this regard, see, for example, U.S. Patent No.10,716,715 which isAttorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1 hereby incorporated by reference here for its disclosure of layers of an incontinence detection pad that are also included in chuck pad 500. For example, in some embodiments, topsheet 502 of pad chuck pad 500 comprises a polypropylene (PP) spunbond nonwoven layer such as BERRY™ 0286 material which is a material of about 17 grams per square meter (gsm) treated PP spunbond material available from Berry Global Inc. of Evansville, Indiana. In some embodiments, absorbent core 504 and absorbent core 508, if present, each comprises an airlaid material such as FITESA™ B871M135S30 airlaid material having a weight of about 135 gsm available from Fitesa S.A. of Porto Alegre, Brazil.

[0156] Reticulated foam layer 506 comprises a highly porous polyurethane foam material having a porosity of about 10 pores per inch (PPI) to about 20 PPI in some embodiments. Such reticulated foam material is available from United States Plastic Corp. of Lima, OH, USA, for example. The high porosity of reticulated foam layer 506 permits air flow therethrough for performance of the microclimate management function of chuck pad 500. Optionally, absorbent core layer 504 above reticulated foam layer 506 has discrete air flow holes formed therethrough to promote air flow from layer 506 upwardly into and through layer 504 to reach layer 502. The air flowing through layers 506, 504 eventually escapes from chuck pad 500 to atmosphere through discrete opening in layer 502 and / or through pores or discrete openings at the periphery of chuck pad 500.

[0157] In some embodiments, backsheet 480 is made up of multiple layers of material. For example, in some embodiments, backsheet 480 includes a breathable low density polyethylene (LDPE) film and a layer of polypropylene (PP) spunbond nonwoven material bonded to the LDPE film with hot melt adhesive. The electrodes 476, 478 of the incontinence detection sensor, in some embodiments, comprise carbon conductive ink 142 that is printed onto the LDPE film. It should be appreciated that the various layers 480, 502, 504, 506, 508 (if present) are bonded to each other, such as at their peripheries by layers of adhesive that may be strip-coated, slot-coated, or sprayed onto these layers. In other embodiments, sewing, sonic or RF welding, or other laminating techniques are used to couple layers 480, 502, 504, 506, 508 (if present) of chuck pad 500 together in addition to, or in lieu of, the use of adhesive.

[0158] Still referring to Fig.18, an annular seal 510 is provided between connector 340 and connector receiver 344. Seal 510 is mounted within a bore defined by cylindrical sidewall 402 of connector receiver 344. For example, an annular ridge or lip extends inwardly from the bottom region of sidewall 402 and seal 510 abuts the annular lip. Adhesive may be used to adhere seal 510 to the annular lip. When connector 340 is coupled to connector receiver 344, as described above in connection with Fig.11, circular edge 440 of sidewall 394 of connector 340Attorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1 engages and slightly compresses seal 510 within connector receiver 344 to inhibit pressurized air that passes through connector 340 from escaping through the interface between connector 340 and connector receiver 344.

[0159] Chuck pad 500 further includes a connector retainer bracket 512 situated beneath backsheet 480 as shown in Fig.18. Bracket 512 comprises a flat, circular plate in the illustrative example. Each of layers 502, 504, 506, 508 (if present) has an airflow hole 514 formed in a foot end corner region thereof. Each of layers 480, 502, 504, 506, 509 (if present), has three groups of three small apertures 516 therethrough surrounding the respective airflow hole 514. Bracket 512 carries a set of stand-offs or spacers 518 that extend through respective apertures 516 of layers 480, 502, 504, 506, 509 (if present) to engage a bottom surface of flange 404.

[0160] With continued reference to Fig.18, bracket 512 also has holes 520 aligned with remaining ones of apertures 516 and with apertures 406 of flange 404 for insertion of fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws, rivets, etc.) therethrough. When the fasteners extending through apertures 406 and respective apertures 516 are tightened, spacers 518 prevent the layers 502, 504, 506, 508 (if present) from being compressed or crushed to such an extent that airflow into chuck pad 500 through the edges defining holes 514 in each of these layers is blocked from passage into the respective layers. Thus, bracket 512 and flange 404 of connector receiver 344 are tightened together with the fasteners only as far as spacers 518 will permit, thereby to allow air flow into each of layers 502, 504, 506, 508 (if present) through the edge defining the respective hole 514 of these layers.

[0161] Referring now to Figs.19A, 19B, 19C, additional details of connector 340 are shown. Connector 340 was described above in connection with Fig.12 and so the same reference numbers are used to denote like components of connector 340 in Figs.19A, 19B, 19C as were used in Fig.12, and the descriptions are not repeated except where notable differences exist. Fig.19A is similar to Fig.12 except from an opposite side of connector 340. Thus, connection pin 400 shown in Fig.19A is actually a second connection pin 400 that is molded integrally with cylindrical sidewall 394. As shown best in Fig.19C, the first and second pins 400 are circumferentially spaced from each other by about 180° around axis 416. Thus, it should be appreciated that substantially cylindrical wall 402 of connector receiver 344 has two L-shaped slots 408, also circumferentially spaced from each other by about 180° around axis 416, for receipt of the respective connection pins 400 therein to couple connector 340 to connector receiver 344.Attorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1

[0162] Fig.19B shows electrical contact pins 424, 426 extending downwardly from connector 340 beyond bottom edge 440 of sidewall 394. In some embodiments, for example, pins 424, 426 extend on the order of about ¼ inch to about ½ inch beyond bottom edge 440 when in the extended state. Also apparent in Fig.19B is the manner in which tubular hose interface 396 intersects with sidewall 394 and top wall 392 of connector 340. An opening 522 provided between bore 420 of tubular interface 396 and bore 422 of substantially cylindrical sidewall 394 is shown in Fig.19C. Thus, air flow from the blower of control unit 350 is received from hose 342 into bore 420 of tubular hose interface 396 and the associated barb 398 and then passes into bore 420 of sidewall 394 through opening 522.

[0163] Referring now to Fig.20, a pattern of the conductive traces forming electrodes 476, 478 is shown on backsheet 480. In some embodiments, a width of each electrode 476, 478 is about 1 millimeter (mm) to about 3 mm at all locations of the electrodes 476, 478 except for the end regions of electrodes 476, 478 located where ends of pins 424, 426 contact the electrodes 476, 478. In this regard, the end regions of electrodes 476, 478 are shown in the enlarged Detail A portion of Fig.20. In Detail A, a first contact region 524 at the end region of first electrode 476 is generally circular and a second contact region 526 at the end region of second electrode 478 is generally arcuate.

[0164] As connector 340 couples to connector receiver 344 via rotation of the connector 340 through an arc defined by portions 412 of L-shaped slots 408 of sidewall 402 of connector receiver 344, the end of first pin 424 spins on the generally circular first contact region 524 and the end of the second pin 426 wipes along the arcuate second contact region 526. In the illustrative embodiment, the generally arcuate second contact region 526 extends by about 90° about central axis 416 of connector 340 and connector receiver 344 and the arc through which connector 340 rotates relative to the generally cylindrical connector receiver 344 during coupling thereto is about 45°. This assures that pin 426 does not slide beyond contact portion 526 of electrode 478 on backsheet 480 during coupling of connector 340 to connector receiver 344. As noted above springs 436, 438 bias pins 424, 426, respectively, into engagement with contact regions 524, 526, respectively, of electrodes 476, 478 when connector 340 is coupled to connector receiver 344 to thereby assure electrical contact therebetween.

[0165] In some embodiments of chuck pads 332, 492, 492’, 500, electrodes 476, 478 serve as both an incontinence detection sensor and as a patient presence sensor. When operating as an incontinence detection sensor incontinence detection circuitry determines a resistance between electrodes 476, 478. In essence, when chuck pad 332, 492, 492’, 500 is dry, such as when no incontinence or other biological fluid (e.g., blood or sweat) is present to bridgeAttorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1 across a space between electrodes 476, 478, an open circuit condition exists between electrodes 476, 478 and the resistance therebetween is very large such as being several Mega Ohms or more, which is practically an infinite resistance. When chuck pad 332, 492, 492’, 500 is wet, such as when a sufficient amount of incontinence or other biological fluid (e.g., blood or sweat) is present to bridge across the space between electrodes 476, 478, a closed circuit condition exists between electrodes 476, 478 and the resistance therebetween is very small such as being only a couple of Ohms or less, which is practically a zero resistance.

[0166] Accordingly, incontinence detection circuitry in control unit 350 operates, in some embodiments, by applying a known voltage (e.g., 5 volts) across conductors 358, thereby to apply the known voltage between electrodes 476, 478, and then measuring an amount of current that flows. Alternatively, a known current (e.g., 1 milli Amp) is applied to one of conductors 358 and the voltage drop between conductors 358, which corresponds to the voltage drop between the electrodes 476, 478, is measured. Ohm’s Law (i.e., V = IR or, for resistance R = V / I) is then used to determine the resistance that exists between electrodes 476, 478. If the resistance is above a threshold, say 2 or 3 Mega Ohms, then no incontinence is considered to have been detected, and if the resistance is below the threshold, then incontinence is considered to have been detected. Thus, the incontinence detection circuitry of control unit 350 basically comprises an Ohmmeter in some embodiments.

[0167] With regard to the use of electrodes 376, 378 as a patient present detector, patient presence detection circuitry in control unit 350 operates by coupling one of the conductors 358, and therefore, the corresponding one of electrodes 476, 478 to a high- frequency oscillator (e.g., oscillation rate of at least about 500 kiloHertz (kHz) to about 1 MegaHertz (MHz)) driven at a voltage of about 5 V to about 10 V. When a patient moves onto the chuck pad 332, 492, 492’, 500, the patient’s body enters an electrostatic field formed between electrodes 476, 478 by the oscillator which changes the capacitance of the oscillator as measured at the non-driven electrode 476, 478. Because the electrodes 476, 478 are used in different manners electrically when used as an incontinence detection sensor (e.g., resistance- based measurement) and when used as a patient present detection sensor (e.g., capacitance- based measurement), the incontinence detection circuitry and the patient presence detection circuitry of control unit 350 is coupled to conductors 358 and electrodes 476, 478 alternately, or back-and-forth, so that resistance measurements and capacitance measurements between electrodes 476, 478 can be made within alternating time slots. This is discussed in further detail below in connection with Fig.22.Attorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1

[0168] Referring now to Fig.21, a patient presence detection sheet 530 has a set of capacitive strips 532 in an intersecting pattern that provides sheet 530 with a capacitance sensor 534 which is operable to detect presence of a patient on a corresponding chuck pad 332, 492, 492’, 500. Strips 532 of capacitance sensor 534 include a plurality of spaced apart conductive strips 532a of substantially equivalent length and an intersecting strip 532b that extends across middle regions of the plurality of spaced apart conductive strips 532a in substantially perpendicular relation therewith. In some embodiments, sheet 530 is added as an additional layer to the bottom of the stack of layers 480, 502, 504, 506, 508 (if present), specifically below the backsheet 480 having the incontinence detection electrode traces 476, 478. In other embodiments, a whole sheet of conductive material (e.g., conductive fabric) is provided beneath backsheet 480, in lieu of sheet 530, to serve as the patient presence detection sensor. In either case, the patient presence detection sheet beneath backsheet 480 uses a reference capacitance for determining whether a threshold condition is met to determine patient presence on the corresponding chuck pad 332, 492, 492’, 500.

[0169] In the illustrative Fig.21 example, a patient presence detection circuit module 536 is shown coupled directly to an end of capacitive strip 532b that extends beyond an edge of sheet 530. A reference capacitance selector 538 is coupled to circuit module 536 with a cable 540 to form the overall patient presence detection circuitry 536, 538 for sensor 534. Reference capacitance selector 538 includes a pair of three-position toggle switches 542 that are moved to various positions to set the reference capacitance for sensor 534. It should be appreciated that, in a practical application, circuit module 536 and reference capacitance selector 538 are situated within control unit 350 and that circuit module 536 is coupled to sensor 534 via conductors 358 and pins 424, 426. Thus, additional conductors (e.g., wires and / or electrode traces) may be provided within chuck pad 332, 492, 492’, 500 to interconnect pins 424, 426 with sensor 534 of sheet 530.

[0170] In the illustrative example, circuit module 536 is a PHIDGETS™ 1129_1B Touch Sensor module available from Phidgets Inc. of Calgary, Canada. Thus, sensor 534 operates using touch sensor technology. If a patient is supported on chuck pad 332, 492, 492’, 500, then the patient is considered by sensor 340 to be “touching” the chuck pad and therefore, is determined to be present on the chuck pad 332, 492, 492’, 500. The capacitance of sensor 534 changes depending upon whether the patient is, or is not, present on chuck pad 332, 492, 492’, 500. The capacitance of sensor 534 is compared to the reference capacitance selected using toggle switches 542 of selector 538. If a sheet of conductive fabric is used in lieu of sheet 530, the conductive fabric is electrically coupled to circuit module 536 rather than capacitiveAttorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1 sensor 534, but module 536 and selector 538 operate in the same way, although the selected reference capacitance may be different.

[0171] Referring now to Fig.22, chuck pad apparatus 300 and patient bed 338 are shown diagrammatically as being included in a healthcare information system 550. Portions of system 550 that have been discussed hereinabove are denoted with like reference numbers in Fig.22 and the descriptions are not repeated. Control unit 350 includes a blower 552 that draws in ambient air as indicated by arrow 554 and outputs pressurized air, as indicated by arrow 556, which is fed to the pneumatic portion of connector 360. Control unit 350 includes control circuitry 558 that controls the operation of blower 552 via electrical signals to blower 552 and that receives feedback signals (e.g., signals regarding speed, temperature, pressure, and / or flow rate, etc.) from blower 552. Control circuitry 558 is also coupled electrically to GUI 382 to control the display of information thereon and receive user inputs therefrom. Control circuitry 558 includes, for example, a microcontroller 560 having a microprocessor 562 and memory 564 which cooperate to perform the various control functions of circuitry 558.

[0172] Control unit 350 further includes power control circuitry 565 electrically coupled to power receptacle 372 and to control circuitry 558. Power control circuitry 565 is coupled to other components of control unit 350 as well, such as blower 552, but the electrical connections to such other components are not shown in Fig.22 for ease of illustration and due to space constraints. A power cord 567 has a connector plug 569 at one end that plugs into receptacle 372 and a power plug 571 at an opposite end that plugs into a standard AC outlet in the patient room of the healthcare facility in which chuck pad apparatus 330 is being used. Power control circuitry 565 includes, for example, one or more power transformers, rectifiers, voltage controllers, AC-to-DC converters and the like to convert the incoming mains AC voltage (e.g., 120 V, 60 Hz in the U.S.) into the various AC and direct current (DC) voltage levels (24 V DC, 12 V DC, 5 V DC, etc.) used to power corresponding components of control unit 350.

[0173] Control circuitry 558 is coupled electrically to incontinence detection circuitry 566 and patient presence detection circuitry 568 of control unit 350 as further shown in Fig.22. Circuitry 566, 568 is of the type discussed above in some embodiments (e.g., circuitry 566 includes an Ohmmeter and circuitry 568 includes a module 536 to compare a reference capacitance to a measured capacitance). As alluded to above, circuitry 566 is operated alternately with circuitry 568 in different, alternating time slots (e.g., time slots of 1 second, 250 milliseconds, 100 milliseconds, etc., just to provide some arbitrary time slot examples). Accordingly, control unit 350 includes a switch 570 (or switches) such as one or more microswitches or relays that are controlled electrically by control circuitry 558 to select whetherAttorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1 incontinence detection circuitry 566 or patient presence detection circuitry 568 is coupled electrically to the electrical connector portion of connector 360.

[0174] As further shown in Fig.22, the pressurized air 486 entering MCM layer 484 of chuck pad 332, 492, 492’, 500, as the case may be, exits to atmosphere as indicated by arrow 572. The incontinence detection sensor and the patient presence detection sensor of chuck pad 332, 492, 492’, 500 are represented by blocks 574, 576, respectively, in Fig.22. As discussed above, sensor 574 comprises electrodes 476, 478 in the illustrative embodiments disclosed herein and sensor 576 comprises capacitive sensor 534 (or a sheet of conductive material) in the illustrative embodiments disclosed herein. Sensors 574, 576 are electrically coupled to pins 424, 426 or contact pads 468, 470 of connector 340, 444, as the case may be, as indicated by arrows 578. The position of switch 570 of control unit 350, as controlled by control circuitry 558, determines which of sensors 574, 576 is operatively coupled to respective circuitry 566, 568 at any given time in those embodiments of chuck pad 332 having both sensors 574, 576. With regard to those embodiments of chuck pad 332 in which electrodes 476, 478 are used as both the incontinence detection sensor and the patient present detection sensor, then block 576 in Fig.22 is omitted and the position of switch 570 determined whether electrodes 476, 478 of sensor 574 are coupled to, and operated by, incontinence detection circuitry 566, or are coupled to, and operated by, patient presence detection circuitry 568.

[0175] With continued reference to Fig.22, chuck pad 332, 492, 492’, 500 optionally may include one or more additional chuck pad features as represented by dotted block 580. The present disclosure contemplates that the optional, additional features 500 may include any one or more of the following at the option of the designer of chuck pad 332, 492, 492’, 500: one or more rotation bladders that are provided on the bottom of chuck pad 332, 492, 492’, 500 and that are inflatable to laterally rotate the patient supported on the chuck pad; one or more sit assist bladders that are provided on the bottom of the chuck pad 332, 492, 492’, 500 and that are inflatable to raise a patient’s torso upwardly toward a sitting position; one or more heel relief bladders that are coupled to the chuck pad 332, 492, 492’, 500 and that are inflatable beneath a patient’s calves or ankles to raise the patient’s heels upwardly off of an underlying support surface of the chuck pad 332, 492, 492’, 500 or mattress 334; a low friction material (e.g., parachute material) on a bottom surface of chuck pad 332, 492, 492’, 500 to facilitate lateral transfer of the patient supported on chuck pad 332, 492, 492’, 500 from one patient support apparatus to another or to facilitate repositioning of the patient on a single patient support apparatus, such as patient bed 338; one or more low friction areas and high friction areas on the bottom of chuck pad 332, 492, 492’, 500 to facilitate holding foam wedges in place beneath theAttorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1 chuck pad when placed beneath the high friction areas; an integrated x-ray sleeve within the chuck pad 332, 492, 492’, 500 configured to receive an x-ray cassette therein; loops that extend from an outer periphery of the main body of the chuck pad 332, 492, 492’, 500 for attachment to a patient lift sling of a motorized patient lift; a plurality of holes formed in the bottom layer of chuck pad 332, 492, 492’, 500 or in an inflatable envelope on the bottom of the chuck pad 332, 492, 492’, 500 so that increasing the speed of the blower 552 expels a sufficient amount of air through one or more bottom openings of the chuck pad 332, 492, 492’, 500 or envelope to create an air bearing beneath the chuck pad 332, 492, 492’, 500 that is suitable to assist in lateral transfer of the patient supported on the chuck pad from one patient support apparatus, such as patient bed 338, to another.

[0176] In some embodiments, control unit 350 includes a compressor or pump 582 that serves as the air source for those optional, additional chuck pad features 580 which include inflatable bladders. Control circuitry 558 is coupled electrically with the compressor 582 to provide control signals thereto and receive feedback signals therefrom. In such embodiments, control unit 350 also has a manifold with valves as indicated by block 584 in Fig.22. Compressor 582 provides pressurized air to the manifold and the valves are operated electrically by control circuitry 558 to distribute the pressurized air to the bladders of feature(s) 580 to be inflated via one or more corresponding hoses 586. The valves of block 584 are also controlled by control circuitry 558 to vent air to atmosphere as indicated by dotted arrow 588 when the corresponding bladders are to be deflated after use.

[0177] As further shown in Fig.22, control circuitry 558 of control unit 350, in some embodiments, includes a wireless fidelity (WiFi) transceiver 592 that is operable to communicate bidirectionally (e.g., transmit and receive) with a network 590 of system 550. Thus, status information regarding chuck pad 332, 492, 492’, 500 is communicated wirelessly to network 590 from transceiver 592 of control unit 350. Such status information includes, for example, the wet / dry status of chuck pad 332, 492, 492’, 500 as detected by sensor 574, patient present / absence status on chuck pad 332, 492, 492’, 500 as detected by sensor 576, and blower on / off status to provide MCM through MCM layer 484 of chuck pad 332, 492, 492’, 500. As mentioned above, cable 388 provides a wired communication link between control unit 350 and patient bed 338. Thus, in Fig.22, cable 388 is depicted as interconnecting control circuitry 558 of control unit 350 with control circuitry 594 of patient bed 338.

[0178] Control circuitry 594 of patient bed 338 includes, for example, a microcontroller 600 having a microprocessor 596 and memory 598 which cooperate to perform the various control functions of circuitry 594 of bed 338. Control circuitry 594 of patient bed 338 alsoAttorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1 includes a WiFi transceiver 602 that is operable to communicate bidirectionally with network 590. Thus, in those embodiments of control unit 350 lacking a WiFi transceiver 592 but that couple to bed control circuitry 594 with cable 388, the chuck pad status data of the type mentioned above is transmitted from control circuitry 558 of control unit 350 to control circuitry 594 of bed 338 via cable 388 and then, control circuitry 594 of bed 338 controls WiFi transceiver 602 to transmit the chuck pad status data to network 590.

[0179] Still referring to Fig.22, patient bed 338 further includes communication circuitry 604 that communicates bidirectionally with control circuitry 594 and that communicates bidirectionally with a nurse call system 606. Nurse call system 606, in turn, includes a nurse call server 608, one or more room and / or staff stations 610 located in patient rooms or other areas such as caregiver breakrooms or hallways, one or more dome lights 612 of the type that are mounted in hallways adjacent to doorways of corresponding patient rooms, one or more nurse call computers 614 such as a master nurse station computer or console, and one or more status boards 616 which include large displays at corresponding nurse call master stations for displaying a variety of patient and equipment status data.

[0180] The present disclosure contemplates that chuck pad status data is received by nurse call server 608 of nurse call system 606, either from network 590 if control unit 350 communicates with network 690 using WiFi transceiver 592, or from a wired connection with communication circuitry 604 of bed 338, and / or from a wireless connection with WiFi transceiver 602 of bed 338 via network 590. Regardless of how nurse call server 608 receives the chuck pad status data, nurse call server 608 provides the chuck pad status data to room / staff station(s) 610, nurse call computer(s) 614, and status board(s) 616 for display. If the chuck pad status data indicates that chuck pad 332, 492, 492’, 500 in a particular patient room is wet, then nurse call server 608, along with other components of the nurse call system 606, signals the dome light 612 of the corresponding patient room to illuminate a zone of the dome light 612 to indicate to caregivers the alert condition in the patient room. Chuck pad status data is also displayed on GUI 389 of bed 338 in some embodiments. System 550 further includes mobile devices 618, such as smart phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, caregiver communication badges, pagers, etc., that are carried by caregivers and that receive chuck pad status data from network 590 for display on the mobile devices 618 of designated caregivers.

[0181] The present disclosure further contemplates that network 590 further comprises other computer devices, such as electronic medical record (EMR) servers, locating system servers, admission / discharge / transfer (ADT) servers, etc., that receive and make use of the chuck pad status data transmitted from control unit 350 via WiFi transceiver 592 or patient bedAttorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1 338 as an intermediary to network 590. For example, in some embodiments, GUI 382 receives user inputs to associate a control unit identification (ID) with a room ID and / or a bed ID and / or a patient ID and such ID associations are transmitted to the locating server and / or to the ADT server. As another example, some or all of the chuck pad status data is transmitted to the EMR server for storage in a patient electronic medical record on a periodic basis (e.g., every 4 hours, every 8 hours, when an incontinence event is detected, etc.). In some embodiments, a charting input (e.g., button or icon) is provided on GUI 382 of control unit 350 for selection by a caregiver to chart some or all of the chuck pad status data, as selected by the caregiver using GUI 382, to the corresponding patient’s electronic medical record.

[0182] With regard to the MCM layer 484 of chuck pad 332, 492, 492’, 500, the present disclosure contemplates that blower 552 is operated at a sufficient speed to achieve a heat removal of about 26 watt per meter squared (W / m2) dry flux to about 66 W / m2dry flux. The present disclosure also contemplates that chuck pad 332, 492, 492’, 500 is launderable for re- use. A chuck pad prototype similar to chuck pad 500 of Fig.18, which prototype included layers 480, 502, 504, 506, withstood 33 laundering cycles and electrodes 476, 478 still functioned properly to detect incontinence.

[0183] In the description above, blower 552 was described as drawing in ambient air at a blower inlet as indicated by arrow 554 and outputting pressurized air at a blower outlet, as indicated by arrow 556, which is fed to the pneumatic portion of connector 360 for delivery through hose 342 to connector 340, 444 and respective connector receiver 344, 446, as the case may be, and then through MCM layer 484 of the respective chuck pad 332, 492, 492’, 500 for eventual discharge to ambient atmosphere as indicated by arrow 572. Accordingly, in the embodiments contemplated hereinabove, blower 552 is operated to apply a positive pressure to MCM layer 484 via the hose 342 and corresponding connectors 340, 344, 360, 444, 446, as the case may be, so that air is pushed through the MCM layer 484 to ambient atmosphere.

[0184] The present disclosure further contemplates embodiments of chuck pad apparatus 330 in which blower 552 is operated so that air is pulled or drawn from ambient atmosphere into MCM layer 484 and then flows through hose 342 and the corresponding connectors 340, 344, 360, 444, 446, as the case may be, toward blower 552 to thereafter be discharged from an outlet of blower 552 to atmosphere. That is, in these alternative embodiments, blower 552 is operated to apply a negative pressure (aka vacuum) to MCM layer 484 via hose 442 and the corresponding connectors 340, 344, 360, 444, 446, as the case may be, so that air is drawn into MCM layer 484 from ambient atmosphere. For illustration of suchAttorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1 embodiments, therefore, one can simply imagine the directions of arrows 554, 556, 572, as well as arrow 486, being reversed in Fig.22.

[0185] To allow for air to be pulled into MCM layer 484 from ambient atmosphere or to be pushed through MCM layer 484 to ambient atmosphere, a top layer of the respective chuck pad 332, 492, 492’, 500 is air permeable, either inherently based on the material used for the top layer having air permeability (e.g., woven fabric) or due to discrete openings, holes, apertures, or the like, being formed in the top layer to provide discrete airflow passages. In this regard, see the discussion above of patient layer 200 in connection with Fig.6. Alternatively or additionally, openings may be provided at the side edges and / or end edges of the respective chuck pad 332, 492, 492’, 500 to allow airflow therethrough either into MCM layer 484 or outwardly from MCM layer 484 depending upon whether negative pressure or positive pressure, respectively, is applied to MCM layer 484 by blower 552.

[0186] In some embodiments in which negative pressure is applied to MCM layer 484, the incontinence detection sensor 574 is omitted from inside the corresponding chuck pad 332, 492, 492’, 500 and, instead for purposes of incontinence detection, a humidity sensor is provided in the airflow path downstream from the MCM layer 484. Such a humidity sensor is similar, for example, to humidity sensors 34 and 142 provided in the respective outlet lines 32, 132 and described above in connection with Figs.1 and 5. The present disclosure contemplates that the downstream humidity sensor may be coupled to hose 342 or to one of connectors 340, 444 as long as the humidity sensor is exposed to the airflow downstream of the respective chuck pad 332, 492, 492’, 500. In such embodiments, only the single humidity sensor just described is used to sense an incontinence event by sensing a spike in the humidity of the airflow. More particularly, the incontinence detection circuitry 566 of control unit 350, which is coupled to the humidity sensor via one or more of wires 358, is operable to detect that the chuck pad 332, 492, 492’, 500 is soiled with incontinence in response to a humidity sensed by the humidity sensor changing over a predetermined period of time by an amount that exceeds a threshold.

[0187] With regard to detecting an incontinence event using the single humidity sensor downstream from the chuck pad 332, 492, 492’, 500, the predetermined period of time may be, for example, 1 second, 2 seconds, 5 seconds, 10 seconds, etc., just to give a few arbitrary time periods. Of course, predetermined time periods less than 1 second and greater than 10 seconds are within the scope of the present disclosure. The threshold amount of humidity change considered to be indicative of an incontinent event may be a percentage change amount (e.g., relative humidity (RH) change of 10%, 25%, 50%, etc. just to give a few arbitrary percentageAttorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1 examples) or a measured quantity (e.g., absolute humidity (AH) measured as the mass of water vapor per unit volume of air, such as grams per cubic meter (g / m3); specific humidity measured, for example, as grams per kilogram (g / kg); or dew point temperature in degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit). Thus, in some embodiments, a first humidity (h1) is measured at a first time (t1) and a second humidity (h2) is measured at a second time (t2), separated by the threshold period of time, (e.g., (h2 - h1) / (t2 – t1)) to calculate the humidity change. On a substantially instantaneous basis, such a calculation is the time derivative of humidity, dh / dt, but a longer time interval is believed to be more suitable for detecting an incontinent event due to the time involved for the incontinence to saturate the chuck pad 332, 492, 492’, 500 by a sufficient amount to be detectable. However, this is not to rule out the possibility of monitoring the instantaneous humidity change, dh / dt, as measured by the humidity sensor to detect incontinence in some embodiments.

[0188] In some embodiments in which negative pressure is applied to MCM layer 484 and a humidity sensor is provided downstream from the respective chuck pad 332, 492, 492’, 500, the patient presence sensor 576 is still present inside the corresponding chuck pad 332, 492, 492’, 500. Thus, use of electrodes 476, 478 as a patient presence sensor by detecting capacitance, as described above in connection with Figs.14B and 29, is one variant of such embodiments. In lieu of electrodes, 476, 478, a sheet of conductive fabric or patient presence detection sheet 530 having capacitive strips 532 in an intersecting pattern, such as the embodiment shown in Fig.21, is another variant contemplated by the present disclosure. In some embodiments in which negative pressure is applied to MCM layer 484, two or more humidity sensors are provided downstream from the chuck pad 332, 492, 492’, 500 to provide redundancy for purposes of incontinence detection. In such embodiments, therefore, if one of the downstream humidity sensors is inoperable or is otherwise faulty, another of the downstream humidity sensors is used for incontinence detection.

[0189] Referring now to Fig.23, chuck pad 330 of chuck pad apparatus 330 includes an alternative embodiment of a connector head 620 arranged for connection to an alternative embodiment of a connector receiver 622. The alternative embodiment connector head 620 is depicted in Fig.23 with portions broken away to show a circular hole 624 in a bottom wall 626 that aligns with a similar hole 628 formed in a bottom wall 630 of connector receiver 622 when connector head 620 is coupled to connector receiver 622. Connector head 622 is sometimes to referred to as just connector 622. Hole 624 in bottom wall 626 is defined by a circular edge 632 and hole 628 in bottom wall 630 is defined by a circular edge 634. MCM layer 484 is exposedAttorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1 through hole 628 to allow air flow therethrough. Thus, a top layer of material of flap 346 which covers the remaining portions of layer 484 is removed within hole 484.

[0190] Air moved by blower 552 flows through a plenum space 636 of connector 620, then through holes 624, 628 and into MCM layer 484 of the corresponding chuck pad 332, 492, 492’, 500 in those embodiments in which blower 552 operates to apply a positive pressure to the chuck pad 332, 492, 492’, 500. In those embodiments in which blower 552 operates to apply a negative pressure to chuck pad 332, 492, 492’, 500, air moved by blower 552 blows from MCM layer 484, through holes 624, 628, and into plenum space 636. It should be appreciated that hose interface 488 and funnel 490, shown in Fig.14A above, are attached to an end region 638 of connector head 620, such as via adhesive, sonic welding, radio frequency (RF) welding, or the like between funnel 490 and connector head 620, to thereby couple hose 342 to connector head 620. For example, an end edge of funnel 490 is connected to, and abuts, an end edge 640 of connector 620 in some embodiments.

[0191] With continued reference to Fig.23, connector head 620 includes a pair of leaf spring electrical contacts 642 molded into bottom wall 626 for spring biased engagement with respective contact pads 644 that are situated on the associated chuck pad 332, 492, 492’, 500 within corresponding notches 646 formed in bottom wall 630 of connector receiver. Contact pads 644 are electrically coupled to the incontinence detection sensor and / or to the patient presence detector situated within the respective chuck pad 332, 492, 492’, 500. For example, contact pads 644 are electrically coupled to respective electrodes 476, 478 in some embodiments. In the illustrative example, electrical contacts 642 each include a first portion or tab 648 that is integrally molded into, or otherwise fixed to, bottom wall 626 of connector 620 and a second portion or resilient tab 650 that extends from the respective first portion 648 beyond a bottom surface of the bottom wall 626.

[0192] When connector head 620 is attached to connector receiver 622 by translational movement in a direction indicated by arrow 652, resilient tabs 650 wipe against contact pads 644 and flex in the direction indicated by arrows 654 to provide spring biased electrical contact between contacts 642 and contact pads 644 when connector head 620 is coupled to connector receiver 622. Wires 358 are attached to portions 648 of contacts 642 such as by soldering or brazing. In the illustrative example, electrical contacts are V-shaped or chevron-shaped. Notches 646 are defined by edges 656 of bottom wall 630 of connector receiver 622 such that a width of each notch is slightly larger than a width of each resilient tab 650. For example, notches 646 are one or two millimeters wider than tabs 650 just to give a couple arbitraryAttorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1 amounts. Accordingly, each resilient tab 650 is situated within a respective one of notches 646 when connector 620 is coupled to connector receiver 622.

[0193] Similar to connector 444 and connector receiver 446 shown in Figs.13, 14A, and 15 above, connector 620 and connector receiver 622 shown in Fig.23 are U-shaped at their perimeters. Thus, connector head 620 includes a generally flat top wall 658 and a substantially U-shaped sidewall 660 that extends downwardly from top wall 658 in the orientation shown in Fig.23. Connector receiver 622, which is sometimes referred to herein as a head receiver, includes a U-shaped sidewall 662 that extends upwardly from bottom wall 630, in the orientation shown in Fig.23, and that has an outer periphery shaped similarly to the outer periphery of sidewall 660 of connector head 620 so that when connector 620 is coupled to connector receiver 622, walls 660, 662 cooperate to form a contiguous U-shaped surface 660, 662. As shown in Fig.23, bottom wall 630 abuts flap 346 and is coupled thereto with a suitable fastener such as adhesive. Connector receiver 622 also includes a generally U-shaped lip 664 that extends inwardly from an upper region of wall 662 in parallel relation with bottom wall 630. Thus, lip 664 and sidewall 662 cooperate to provide connector receiver 622 with a substantially U-shaped receiver groove 666 at the periphery of connector receiver 622 but that is open at an entrance end 668 of connector receiver 622 as shown in Fig.23.

[0194] Connector 620 has a generally U-shaped ridge or lip 670 that is complimentary in shape with groove 666 of connector receiver 622 and that slides into groove 666 when connector head 620 is coupled to head receiver 622 by translational movement in direction 652. In some embodiments, ridge 670 is received within groove 666 so as to have a press fit (aka an interference fit) with lip 664 and bottom wall 630. Connector 620 includes a U-shaped groove 672 that is shaped to receive lip 664 therein when connector 620 is coupled to receiver 622. Thus, the U-shaped groove 672 of connector 620 is complementary in shape with lip 664 of connector receiver 622. The substantially U-shaped groove 672 of connector 622 is formed therein adjacent to substantially U-shaped ridge 670.

[0195] Further examples of the present disclosure, including examples of disclosed inventions, can be described with reference to following numbered clauses:

[0196] Clause 1. A microclimate system comprising: an absorbent article for placement adjacent a patient, a pneumatic system to move air into the absorbent article via an inlet line and away from the absorbent article via an outlet line, an inlet humidity sensor in pneumatic communication with the inlet line, an outlet humidity sensor in pneumatic communication with the outlet line, and a controller that compares an outlet humidity detected by the outlet humidity sensor with an inlet humidity detected by the inlet humidity sensor toAttorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1 detect an incontinence event, wherein the controller outputs an alert signal in response to detection of the incontinence event.

[0197] Clause 2. The microclimate system of clause 1, wherein the absorbent article includes an incontinence pad for placement atop a top surface of a patient support surface.

[0198] Clause 3. The microclimate system of clause 1, wherein the absorbent article includes a brief configured to be worn by the patient.

[0199] Clause 4. The microclimate system of clause 1, wherein the absorbent article is incorporated into a moisture control layer of a patient support apparatus.

[0200] Clause 5. The microclimate system of clause 1, wherein the pneumatic system includes an inlet blower to move atmospheric air into the inlet line.

[0201] Clause 6. The microclimate system of clause 5, wherein the inlet line includes an inlet quick connector to couple the inlet line to the inlet blower.

[0202] Clause 7. The microclimate system of clause 1, wherein the pneumatic system includes an outlet blower to move air from the outlet line to the atmosphere.

[0203] Clause 8. The microclimate system of clause 7, wherein the outlet line includes an outlet quick connector to couple the outlet line to the outlet blower.

[0204] Clause 9. The microclimate system of clause 1, wherein the controller activates the indicator in response to a ratio of the outlet humidity to the inlet humidity being at a predetermined ratio for a predetermined period of time.

[0205] Clause 10. The microclimate system of clause 9, wherein the predetermined ratio is between about 1.1 and about 2.

[0206] Clause 11. The microclimate system of clause 1, wherein the controller activates the indicator in response to the outlet humidity being 100% of relative humidity.

[0207] Clause 12. The microclimate system of clause 1, wherein the controller is positioned in the pneumatic system.

[0208] Clause 13. The microclimate system of clause 1, wherein the absorbent article includes an upper layer being vapor and liquid permeable, a lower layer being liquid impermeable, and a middle layer being air permeable, wherein the middle layer includes the inlet line and the outlet line.

[0209] Clause 14. The microclimate system of clause 13, wherein the middle layer of the absorbent article includes a three-dimensional material configured to conduct air between the upper layer and the lower layer of the absorbent article.Attorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1

[0210] Clause 15. The microclimate system of clause 1, wherein the absorbent article is movable along a top surface of the patient support surface to underlie a pelvic region of the patient lying supine on the patient support structure.

[0211] Clause 16. An absorbent article comprising: an inlet line in pneumatic communication with an inlet humidity sensor, an outlet line in pneumatic communication with an outlet humidity sensor, wherein a pneumatic system moves air into the absorbent article via the inlet line and away from the absorbent article via the outlet line, and wherein a controller in communication with the absorbent article compares an outlet humidity detected by the outlet humidity sensor with an inlet humidity detected by the inlet humidity sensor to detect an incontinence event, wherein the controller outputs an alert signal in response to detection of the incontinence event.

[0212] Clause 17. The absorbent article of clause 16, wherein the absorbent article includes an incontinence pad for placement atop a top surface of a patient support surface.

[0213] Clause 18. The absorbent article of clause 16, wherein the absorbent article includes a brief configured to be worn by a patient.

[0214] Clause 19. The absorbent article of clause 16, wherein the absorbent article is incorporated into a moisture control layer of a patient support apparatus.

[0215] Clause 20. The absorbent article of clause 16, wherein the inlet line receives atmospheric air.

[0216] Clause 21. The absorbent article of clause 16, wherein the outlet line discharges air to the atmosphere.

[0217] Clause 22. The absorbent article of clause 16, wherein the controller activates the indicator in response to a ratio of the outlet humidity to the inlet humidity being at a predetermined ratio for a predetermined period of time.

[0218] Clause 23. The absorbent article of clause 22, wherein the predetermined ratio is between about 1.1 and about 2.

[0219] Clause 24. The absorbent article of clause 16, wherein the controller activates the indicator in response to the outlet humidity being 100% of relative humidity.

[0220] Clause 25. The absorbent article of clause 16, further comprising: an upper layer being vapor and liquid permeable, a lower layer being liquid impermeable, and a middle layer being air permeable, wherein the middle layer includes the inlet line and the outlet line.

[0221] Clause 26. The absorbent article of clause 25, wherein the middle layer of the absorbent article includes a three-dimensional material configured to conduct air between the upper layer and the lower layer of the absorbent article.Attorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1

[0222] Clause 27. The absorbent article of clause 16, wherein the inlet line includes an inlet quick connector to couple the inlet line to an inlet blower.

[0223] Clause 28. The absorbent article of clause 16, wherein the outlet line includes an outlet quick connector to couple the outlet line to an outlet blower.

[0224] Clause 29. A method of determining when to change an absorbent article, the method comprising: conducting air into the absorbent article via an inlet line and away from the absorbent article via an outlet line, detecting an inlet humidity with an inlet humidity sensor in fluid pneumatic with the inlet line of the absorbent article, detecting an outlet humidity with an outlet humidity sensor in pneumatic communication with the outlet line of the absorbent article, comparing the outlet humidity to the inlet humidity to detect an incontinence event, and outputting an alert signal in response to detection of the incontinence event.

[0225] Clause 30. The method of clause 29, further comprising positioning the absorbent article on a top surface of a patient support surface.

[0226] Clause 31. The method of clause 29, further comprising positioning the absorbent article on a patient.

[0227] Clause 32. The method of clause 29, further comprising absorbent article incorporating the absorbent article into a moisture control layer of a patient support apparatus.

[0228] Clause 33. The method of clause 29, further comprising directing atmospheric air into the inlet line.

[0229] Clause 34. The method of clause 29, further comprising discharging air from the outlet line to the atmosphere.

[0230] Clause 35. The method of clause 29, further comprising activating the indicator in response to a ratio of the outlet humidity to the inlet humidity being at a predetermined ratio for a predetermined period of time.

[0231] Clause 36. The method of clause 35, wherein the predetermined ratio is between about 1.1 and about 2.

[0232] Clause 37. The method of clause 29, further comprising activating the indicator in response to the outlet humidity being 100% of relative humidity.

[0233] Clause 38. A patient support apparatus comprising: a mattress base including at least one of a foam layer and an air bladder layer, a moisture control layer supported by the mattress base and configured for placement adjacent a patient, a pneumatic system to move air into the moisture control layer via an inlet line and away from the moisture control layer via an outlet line, an inlet humidity sensor in pneumatic communication with the inlet line, an outlet humidity sensor in pneumatic communication with the outlet line, and aAttorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1 controller that compares an outlet humidity detected by the outlet humidity sensor with an inlet humidity detected by the inlet humidity sensor to detect an incontinence event, wherein the controller outputs an alert signal in response to detection of the incontinence event.

[0234] Clause 39. The patient support apparatus of clause 38, wherein the moisture control layer removes moisture from the patient via the moving air.

[0235] Clause 40. The patient support apparatus of clause 38, wherein the moisture control layer cools the patient via the moving air.

[0236] Clause 41. The patient support apparatus of clause 38, wherein the system is enclosed by at least one coverlet.

[0237] Clause 42. The patient support apparatus of clause 38, wherein the moisture control layer includes a 3-D spacer material.

[0238] Clause 43. The patient support apparatus of clause 38, wherein an incontinence pad sits on top of the moisture control layer.

[0239] Clause 44. The patient support apparatus of clause 38, wherein an incontinence pad sits in the moisture control layer.

[0240] Clause 45. The patient support apparatus of clause 38, wherein the controller controls a pressure of the air bladders.

[0241] Clause 46. A chuck pad apparatus comprising a chuck pad having a microclimate management (MCM) layer and a pair of incontinence detection electrodes, a control unit including a blower and incontinence detection circuitry, a hose extending between the control unit and the chuck pad, and a connector coupled to a distal end of the hose and removably coupleable to the chuck pad so that air moved by the blower flows through the hose, the connector, and the MCM layer, the connector also carrying a pair of electrical contacts that electrically couple to the pair of incontinence detection electrodes when the connector is coupled to the chuck pad so that the pair of incontinence detection electrodes are in electrical communication with the incontinence detection circuitry.

[0242] Clause 47. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 46, wherein the pair of electrical contacts comprise first and second pins that are situated, at least in part, in a bore of the connector through which air from moved by the blower passes, and wherein the first and second pins extend from the bore beyond the connector.

[0243] Clause 48. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 47, wherein the first and second pins are spring biased outwardly from the connector.Attorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1

[0244] Clause 49. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 48, wherein the connector includes a pin carrier that spans across an opening of the connector and the first and second pins are supported by the pin carrier for movement relative to the connector.

[0245] Clause 50. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 49, further comprising first and second springs that bias the first and second pins, respectively, outwardly from the connector, wherein the connector includes first and second spring retainers in which the first and second springs, respectively, are situated, and wherein as the connector is moved toward the chuck pad during coupling to the chuck pad, ends of the first and second pins engage respective first and second contact regions of the pair of incontinence detection electrodes and further compress the springs so that the ends of the first and second pins are spring biased into engagement with the respective first and second contact regions when the connector is coupled to the chuck pad.

[0246] Clause 51. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 50, further comprising a generally cylindrical connector receiver that is coupled to the chuck pad and that receives a portion of the connector therein, the first contact region being aligned with a central axis of the generally cylindrical connector receiver and the second contact region being offset from the central axis.

[0247] Clause 52. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 51, wherein the connector comprises a cylindrical wall and a connection pin extending radially outwardly therefrom, the generally cylindrical connector receiver includes a somewhat L-shaped pin receiving slot that has a first slot portion though which the connection pin moves as the connector is moved in an axial direction parallel with the central axis and that has a second slot portion through which the connection pin moves as the connector is rotated about the central axis.

[0248] Clause 53. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 51, wherein the connector comprises a cylindrical wall and a pair of connection pins each extending generally radially outwardly therefrom, the generally cylindrical connector receiver includes a pair of somewhat L-shaped pin receiving slots that each have a first slot portion though which a corresponding one of the pair of connection pins moves as the connector is moved in an axial direction parallel with the central axis and that each have a second slot portion through which the corresponding one of the pair of connection pins moves as the connector is rotated about the central axis.

[0249] Clause 54. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 53, wherein the pair of connection pins are spaced apart around the central axis from each other by about 180°.

[0250] Clause 55. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 51, wherein the first contact region is generally circular and the second contact region is generally arcuate and wherein theAttorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1 connector couples to the generally cylindrical connector receiver via rotation of the connector through an arc such that the end of the first pin spins on the generally circular first contact region and the end of the second pin wipes along the arcuate second contact region.

[0251] Clause 56. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 55, wherein the generally arcuate second contact region extends by about 90° about the central axis of the generally cylindrical connector receiver and wherein the arc through which the connector rotates relative to the generally cylindrical connector receiver during coupling thereto is about 45°.

[0252] Clause 57. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 46, wherein the connector comprises a connector head having a substantially U-shaped sidewall with a substantially U- shaped groove formed therein adjacent to a substantially U-shaped ridge, and wherein the first and second electrical contacts are provided on the substantially U-shaped ridge.

[0253] Clause 58. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 57, further comprising a substantially U-shaped head receiver that is coupled to the chuck pad and that has a substantially U-shaped receiver groove configured to receive the substantially U-shaped ridge of the connector head therein, the substantially U-shaped head receiver having a pair of electrical pads that are electrically coupled to the pair of incontinence detection electrodes, and wherein the electrical contacts of the connector head contact the electrical pads when the connector head is coupled to the substantially U-shaped head receiver.

[0254] Clause 59. The chuck apparatus of clause 58, wherein the substantially U- shaped head receiver has a substantially U-shaped receiver ridge that is received in the substantially U-shaped groove of the connector head when the connector head is coupled to the substantially U-shaped head receiver.

[0255] Clause 60. The chuck pad apparatus of any of clauses 46-59, wherein the chuck pad further includes a patient presence detector operable to detect that a patient is supported above the chuck pad and wherein the control unit further includes patient presence detection circuitry that is electrically coupled to the patient presence detector.

[0256] Clause 61. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 60, wherein the patient presence detector is electrically coupled to the patient presence detector circuitry via the pair of electrical contacts carried by the connector.

[0257] Clause 62. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 60, wherein the incontinence detection circuitry and the patient presence detection circuitry are operated alternately to monitor an electrical resistance between the pair of electrodes and a capacitance detected by the patient presence detector.Attorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1

[0258] Clause 63. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 60, wherein the patient presence detector comprises a capacitance sensor located beneath the pair of incontinence detection electrodes.

[0259] Clause 64. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 63, wherein the capacitance sensor comprises a sheet of conductive fabric.

[0260] Clause 65. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 63, wherein the capacitance sensor comprises a plurality of spaced apart conductive strips of substantially equivalent length and an intersecting strip that extends across middle regions of the plurality of spaced apart conductive strips in substantially perpendicular relation therewith.

[0261] Clause 66. The chuck pad apparatus of any of clauses 46-59, wherein incontinence from a patient is detected by the incontinence detection circuitry based on an electrical resistance detected between the pair of incontinence detection electrodes, wherein the pair of incontinence detection electrodes also serve as a patient presence detector, and wherein the control unit further includes patient presence detection circuitry that is operable to monitor a capacitance of the pair of incontinence detection electrodes to determine if a patient is present above the chuck pad.

[0262] Clause 67. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 66, wherein the incontinence detection circuitry and the patient presence detection circuitry are operated alternately to monitor the electrical resistance between the pair of incontinence detection electrodes and the capacitance of the pair of incontinence detection electrodes.

[0263] Clause 68. The chuck pad apparatus of any of clauses 46-67, wherein the blower is turned off in response to incontinence bridging across the pair of incontinence detection electrodes creating a closed circuit condition as detected by the incontinence detection circuitry.

[0264] Clause 69. The chuck pad apparatus of any of clauses 46-68, wherein the chuck pad has a series of hand grip openings formed adjacent to opposite side edges thereof so that the chuck pad is also usable as a lateral transfer pad to move a patient from one patient support apparatus to another.

[0265] Clause 70. The chuck pad apparatus of any of clauses 46-69, wherein the chuck pad includes a main body and loops extending from an outer periphery of the main body for attachment to a patient lift sling of a motorized patient lift.

[0266] Clause 71. The chuck pad apparatus of any of clauses 46-70, wherein a speed of the blower is increased to expel a sufficient amount of air through one or more bottom openings of the chuck pad to create an air bearing beneath the chuck pad suitable to assist inAttorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1 lateral transfer of a patient supported on the chuck pad from one patient support apparatus to another.

[0267] Clause 72. The chuck pad apparatus of any of clauses 46-71, wherein a bottom surface of the chuck pad comprises a low friction material to facilitate lateral transfer of a patient supported on the chuck pad from one patient support apparatus to another or to facilitate repositioning of the patient on a single patient support apparatus.

[0268] Clause 73. The chuck pad apparatus of any of clause 46-72, further comprising one or more rotation bladders provided on a bottom of the chuck pad, the one or more rotation bladders being inflatable to laterally rotate a patient supported on the chuck pad.

[0269] Clause 74. The chuck pad apparatus of any of clauses 46-73, further comprising one or more sit assist bladders provided on a bottom of the chuck pad, the one or more sit assist bladders being inflatable to raise a patient’s torso upwardly toward a sitting position.

[0270] Clause 75. The chuck pad apparatus of any of clauses 46-74, further comprising one or more heel relief bladders coupled to the chuck pad, the one or more heel relief bladders being inflatable beneath a patient’s calves or ankles to raise the patient’s heels upwardly off of an underlying support surface.

[0271] Clause 76. The chuck pad apparatus of any of clauses 46-75, wherein a bottom surface of the chuck pad has low friction areas and high friction areas to facilitate holding foam wedges in place beneath the chuck pad when placed beneath the high friction areas.

[0272] Clause 77. The chuck pad apparatus of any of clauses 46-76, wherein the chuck pad has an integrated x-ray sleeve configured to receive an x-ray cassette therein.

[0273] Clause 78. A chuck pad apparatus comprising a chuck pad having a pair of electrodes that are used to detect a presence of a patient supported above the chuck pad and to detect incontinence from the patient, and control circuitry coupled to the pair of electrodes, the control circuitry operable to monitor a resistance between the pair of electrodes in connection with detecting incontinence from the patient and to monitor a capacitance of the pair of electrodes in connection with detecting the presence of the patient.

[0274] Clause 79. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 78, wherein the chuck pad further includes a microclimate management (MCM) layer, and further comprising a control unit including a blower coupled to the control circuitry, a hose extending between the control unit and the chuck pad so that pressurized air is moved by the blower through the MCM layer, and a connector coupled to a distal end of the hose and removably coupleable to the chuck padAttorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1 so that air moved by the blower flows through the hose, the connector, and the MCM layer, the connector also carrying a pair of electrical contacts that electrically couple to the pair of electrodes when the connector is coupled to the chuck pad so that the pair of electrodes are in electrical communication with the control circuitry.

[0275] Clause 80. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 79, wherein the pair of electrical contacts comprise first and second pins that are situated, at least in part, in a bore of the connector through which air moved by the blower passes, and wherein the first and second pins extend from the bore beyond the connector.

[0276] Clause 81. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 80, wherein the first and second pins are spring biased outwardly from the connector.

[0277] Clause 82. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 81, wherein the connector includes a pin carrier that spans across an opening of the connector and the first and second pins are supported by the pin carrier for movement relative to the connector.

[0278] Clause 83. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 82, further comprising first and second springs that bias the first and second pins, respectively, outwardly from the connector, wherein the connector includes first and second spring retainers in which the first and second springs, respectively, are situated, and wherein as the connector is moved toward the chuck pad during coupling to the chuck pad, ends of the first and second pins engage respective first and second contact regions of the pair of electrodes and further compress the springs so that the ends of the first and second pins are spring biased into engagement with the respective first and second contact regions when the connector is coupled to the chuck pad.

[0279] Clause 84. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 83, further comprising a generally cylindrical connector receiver that is coupled to the chuck pad and that receives a portion of the connector therein, the first contact region being aligned with a central axis of the generally cylindrical connector receiver and the second contact region being offset from the central axis.

[0280] Clause 85. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 84, wherein the connector comprises a cylindrical wall and a connection pin extending radially outwardly therefrom, the generally cylindrical connector receiver includes a somewhat L-shaped pin receiving slot that has a first slot portion though which the connection pin moves as the connector is moved in an axial direction parallel with the central axis and that has a second slot portion through which the connection pin moves as the connector is rotated about the central axis.

[0281] Clause 86. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 84, wherein the connector comprises a cylindrical wall and a pair of connection pins each extending generally radiallyAttorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1 outwardly therefrom, the generally cylindrical connector receiver includes a pair of somewhat L-shaped pin receiving slots that each have a first slot portion though which a corresponding one of the pair of connection pins moves as the connector is moved in an axial direction parallel with the central axis and that each have a second slot portion through which the corresponding one of the pair of connection pins moves as the connector is rotated about the central axis.

[0282] Clause 87. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 86, wherein the pair of connection pins are spaced apart around the central axis from each other by about 180°.

[0283] Clause 88. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 84, wherein the first contact region of the first electrode is generally circular and the second contact region of the second electrode is generally arcuate and wherein the connector couples to the generally cylindrical connector receiver via rotation of the connector through an arc such that the end of the first pin spins on the generally circular first contact region and the end of the second pin wipes along the arcuate second contact region.

[0284] Clause 89. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 88, wherein the generally arcuate second contact region extends by about 90° about the central axis of the generally cylindrical connector receiver and wherein the arc through which the connector rotates relative to the generally cylindrical connector receiver during coupling thereto is about 45°.

[0285] Clause 90. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 79, wherein the connector comprises a connector head having a substantially U-shaped sidewall with a substantially U- shaped groove formed therein adjacent to a substantially U-shaped ridge, and wherein the first and second electrical contacts are provided on the substantially U-shaped ridge.

[0286] Clause 91. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 90, further comprising a substantially U-shaped head receiver that is coupled to the chuck pad and that has a substantially U-shaped receiver groove configured to receive the substantially U-shaped ridge of the connector head therein, the substantially U-shaped head receiver having a pair of electrical pads that are electrically coupled to the pair of incontinence detection electrodes, and wherein the electrical contacts of the connector head contact the electrical pads when the connector head is coupled to the substantially U-shaped head receiver.

[0287] Clause 92. The chuck apparatus of clause 91, wherein the substantially U- shaped head receiver has a substantially U-shaped receiver ridge that is received in the substantially U-shaped groove of the connector head when the connector head is coupled to the substantially U-shaped head receiver.

[0288] Clause 93. The chuck pad apparatus of any of clauses 79-92, wherein the blower is turned off in response to incontinence bridging across the pair of incontinenceAttorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1 detection electrodes creating a closed circuit condition as detected by the incontinence detection circuitry.

[0289] Clause 94. The chuck pad apparatus of any of clauses 79-93, wherein a speed of the blower is increased to expel a sufficient amount of air through one or more bottom openings of the chuck pad to create an air bearing beneath the chuck pad suitable to assist in lateral transfer of a patient supported on the chuck pad from one patient support apparatus to another.

[0290] Clause 95. The chuck pad apparatus of any of clauses 78-94, wherein the control circuitry includes incontinence detection circuitry that is operable to monitor the resistance between the pair of electrodes and patient presence detection circuitry that is operable to monitor the capacitance of the pair of electrodes to determine patient presence.

[0291] Clause 96. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 95, wherein the incontinence detection circuitry and the patient presence detection circuitry are operated alternately to monitor the electrical resistance between the pair of electrodes and the capacitance of the pair of electrodes.

[0292] Clause 97. The chuck pad apparatus of any of clauses 78-96, wherein the chuck pad has a series of hand grip openings formed adjacent to opposite side edges thereof so that the chuck pad is also usable as a lateral transfer pad to move a patient from one patient support apparatus to another.

[0293] Clause 98. The chuck pad apparatus of any of clauses 78-97, wherein the chuck pad includes a main body and loops extending from an outer periphery of the main body for attachment to a patient lift sling of a motorized patient lift.

[0294] Clause 99. The chuck pad apparatus of any of clauses 78-98, wherein a bottom surface of the chuck pad comprises a low friction material to facilitate lateral transfer of a patient supported on the chuck pad from one patient support apparatus to another or to facilitate repositioning of the patient on a single patient support apparatus.

[0295] Clause 100. The chuck pad apparatus of any of clause 78-99, further comprising one or more rotation bladders provided on a bottom of the chuck pad, the one or more rotation bladders being inflatable to laterally rotate a patient supported on the chuck pad.

[0296] Clause 101. The chuck pad apparatus of any of clauses 78-100, further comprising one or more sit assist bladders provided on a bottom of the chuck pad, the one or more sit assist bladders being inflatable to raise a patient’s torso upwardly toward a sitting position.Attorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1

[0297] Clause 102. The chuck pad apparatus of any of clauses 78-101, further comprising one or more heel relief bladders coupled to the chuck pad, the one or more heel relief bladders being inflatable beneath a patient’s calves or ankles to raise the patient’s heels upwardly off of an underlying support surface.

[0298] Clause 103. The chuck pad apparatus of any of clauses 78-102, wherein a bottom surface of the chuck pad has low friction areas and high friction areas to facilitate holding foam wedges in place beneath the chuck pad when placed beneath the high friction areas.

[0299] Clause 104. The chuck pad apparatus of any of clauses 78-103, wherein the chuck pad has an integrated x-ray sleeve configured to receive an x-ray cassette therein.

[0300] Clause 105. A chuck pad apparatus comprising a chuck pad having an incontinence detection sensor comprising a pair of electrodes that are used to detect incontinence from a patient supported above the chuck pad and having a patient presence detection sensor to detect a presence of the patient, and control circuitry including incontinence detection circuitry coupled to the incontinence detection sensor and patient presence detection circuitry coupled to the patient presence detection sensor, wherein the incontinence detection circuitry and the patient presence detection circuitry are operated alternately to monitor the electrical resistance between the pair of incontinence detection electrodes and to monitor the capacitance of the patient presence detection sensor.

[0301] Clause 106. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 105, wherein the chuck pad further includes a microclimate management (MCM) layer, and further comprising a control unit including a blower coupled to the control circuitry, a hose extending between the control unit and the chuck pad so that pressurized air is moved by the blower through the MCM layer, and a connector coupled to a distal end of the hose and removably coupleable to the chuck pad so that air moved by the blower flows through the hose, the connector, and the MCM layer, the connector also carrying a pair of electrical contacts that electrically couple to the pair of electrodes when the connector is coupled to the chuck pad so that the pair of electrodes are in electrical communication with the control circuitry.

[0302] Clause 107. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 106, wherein the pair of electrical contacts comprise first and second pins that are situated, at least in part, in a bore of the connector through which air from moved by the blower passes, and wherein the first and second pins extend from the bore beyond the connector.

[0303] Clause 108. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 107, wherein the first and second pins are spring biased outwardly from the connector.Attorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1

[0304] Clause 109. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 108, wherein the connector includes a pin carrier that spans across an opening of the connector and the first and second pins are supported by the pin carrier for movement relative to the connector.

[0305] Clause 110. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 109, further comprising first and second springs that bias the first and second pins, respectively, outwardly from the connector, wherein the connector includes first and second spring retainers in which the first and second springs, respectively, are situated, and wherein as the connector is moved toward the chuck pad during coupling to the chuck pad, ends of the first and second pins engage respective first and second contact regions of the pair of electrodes and further compress the springs so that the ends of the first and second pins are spring biased into engagement with the respective first and second contact regions when the connector is coupled to the chuck pad.

[0306] Clause 111. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 110, further comprising a generally cylindrical connector receiver that is coupled to the chuck pad and that receives a portion of the connector therein, the first contact region being aligned with a central axis of the generally cylindrical connector receiver and the second contact region being offset from the central axis.

[0307] Clause 112. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 111, wherein the connector comprises a cylindrical wall and a connection pin extending radially outwardly therefrom, the generally cylindrical connector receiver includes a somewhat L-shaped pin receiving slot that has a first slot portion though which the connection pin moves as the connector is moved in an axial direction parallel with the central axis and that has a second slot portion through which the connection pin moves as the connector is rotated about the central axis.

[0308] Clause 113. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 111, wherein the connector comprises a cylindrical wall and a pair of connection pins each extending generally radially outwardly therefrom, the generally cylindrical connector receiver includes a pair of somewhat L-shaped pin receiving slots that each have a first slot portion though which a corresponding one of the pair of connection pins moves as the connector is moved in an axial direction parallel with the central axis and that each have a second slot portion through which the corresponding one of the pair of connection pins moves as the connector is rotated about the central axis.

[0309] Clause 114. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 113, wherein the pair of connection pins are spaced apart around the central axis from each other by about 180°.

[0310] Clause 115. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 111, wherein the first contact region of the first electrode is generally circular and the second contact region of the second electrode is generally arcuate and wherein the connector couples to the generally cylindricalAttorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1 connector receiver via rotation of the connector through an arc such that the end of the first pin spins on the generally circular first contact region and the end of the second pin wipes along the arcuate second contact region.

[0311] Clause 116. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 115, wherein the generally arcuate second contact region extends by about 90° about the central axis of the generally cylindrical connector receiver and wherein the arc through which the connector rotates relative to the generally cylindrical connector receiver during coupling thereto is about 45°.

[0312] Clause 117. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 106, wherein the connector comprises a connector head having a substantially U-shaped sidewall with a substantially U- shaped groove formed therein adjacent to a substantially U-shaped ridge, and wherein the first and second electrical contacts are provided on the substantially U-shaped ridge.

[0313] Clause 118. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 117, further comprising a substantially U-shaped head receiver that is coupled to the chuck pad and that has a substantially U-shaped receiver groove configured to receive the substantially U-shaped ridge of the connector head therein, the substantially U-shaped head receiver having a pair of electrical pads that are electrically coupled to the pair of incontinence detection electrodes, and wherein the electrical contacts of the connector head contact the electrical pads when the connector head is coupled to the substantially U-shaped head receiver.

[0314] Clause 119. The chuck apparatus of clause 118, wherein the substantially U- shaped head receiver has a substantially U-shaped receiver ridge that is received in the substantially U-shaped groove of the connector head when the connector head is coupled to the substantially U-shaped head receiver.

[0315] Clause 120. The chuck pad apparatus of any of clauses 106-119, wherein the blower is turned off in response to incontinence bridging across the pair of incontinence detection electrodes creating a closed circuit condition as detected by the incontinence detection circuitry.

[0316] Clause 121. The chuck pad apparatus of any of clauses 106-120, wherein a speed of the blower is increased to expel a sufficient amount of air through one or more bottom openings of the chuck pad to create an air bearing beneath the chuck pad suitable to assist in lateral transfer of a patient supported on the chuck pad from one patient support apparatus to another.

[0317] Clause 122. The chuck pad apparatus of any of clauses 105-121, wherein the patient presence detector comprises a capacitance sensor located beneath the pair of incontinence detection electrodes.Attorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1

[0318] Clause 123. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 122, wherein the capacitance sensor comprises a sheet of conductive fabric.

[0319] Clause 124. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 122, wherein the capacitance sensor comprises a plurality of spaced apart conductive strips of substantially equivalent length and an intersecting strip that extends across middle regions of the plurality of space apart conductive strips in substantially perpendicular relation therewith.

[0320] Clause 125. The chuck pad apparatus of any of clauses 105-124, wherein the chuck pad has a series of hand grip openings formed adjacent to opposite side edges thereof so that the chuck pad is also usable as a lateral transfer pad to move a patient from one patient support apparatus to another.

[0321] Clause 126. The chuck pad apparatus of any of clauses 105-125, wherein the chuck pad includes a main body and loops extending from an outer periphery of the main body for attachment to a patient lift sling of a motorized patient lift.

[0322] Clause 127. The chuck pad apparatus of any of clauses 105-126, wherein a bottom surface of the chuck pad comprises a low friction material to facilitate lateral transfer of a patient supported on the chuck pad from one patient support apparatus to another or to facilitate repositioning of the patient on a single patient support apparatus.

[0323] Clause 128. The chuck pad apparatus of any of clause 105-127, further comprising one or more rotation bladders provided on a bottom of the chuck pad, the one or more rotation bladders being inflatable to laterally rotate a patient supported on the chuck pad.

[0324] Clause 129. The chuck pad apparatus of any of clauses 105-128, further comprising one or more sit assist bladders provided on a bottom of the chuck pad, the one or more sit assist bladders being inflatable to raise a patient’s torso upwardly toward a sitting position.

[0325] Clause 130. The chuck pad apparatus of any of clauses 105-129, further comprising one or more heel relief bladders coupled to the chuck pad, the one or more heel relief bladders being inflatable beneath a patient’s calves or ankles to raise the patient’s heels upwardly off of an underlying support surface.

[0326] Clause 131. The chuck pad apparatus of any of clauses 105-130, wherein a bottom surface of the chuck pad has low friction areas and high friction areas to facilitate holding foam wedges in place beneath the chuck pad when placed beneath the high friction areas.

[0327] Clause 132. The chuck pad apparatus of any of clauses 105-131, wherein the chuck pad has an integrated x-ray sleeve configured to receive an x-ray cassette therein.Attorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1

[0328] Clause 133. The chuck pad apparatus of any of clauses 46, 79, and 106, wherein the blower is operable to apply a positive pressure to the MCM layer via the hose and the connector so that air is pushed through the MCM layer to ambient atmosphere.

[0329] Clause 134. The chuck pad apparatus of any of clauses 46, 79, and 106, wherein the blower is operatable to apply a negative pressure to the MCM layer via the hose and the connector so that air is drawn into the MCM layer from ambient atmosphere.

[0330] Clause 135. The chuck pad apparatus of any of clauses 46, 79, and 106, wherein the connector comprises a connector head having a first bottom wall, a top wall, and a substantially U-shaped sidewall extending from the top wall, and wherein the pair of electrical contacts each include a first portion integrally molded into the first bottom wall and a resilient tab extending from the first portion beyond a bottom surface of the first bottom wall.

[0331] Clause 136. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 135, further comprising a substantially U-shaped head receiver having a second bottom wall coupled to the chuck pad, the second bottom wall having first and second notches formed therethrough and configured to receive the resilient tabs of the first and second electrical contacts when the connector head is coupled to the substantially U-shaped head receiver.

[0332] Clause 137. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 136, wherein a substantially U-shaped groove is formed in the U-shaped sidewall of the connector head adjacent to a substantially U-shaped ridge of the U-shaped sidewall and wherein the substantially U-shaped head receiver has a substantially U-shaped receiver ridge that is received in the substantially U- shaped groove of the connector head when the connector head is coupled to the substantially U- shaped head receiver.

[0333] Clause 138. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 136, wherein the pair of incontinence detection electrodes include first and second contact pads that are exposed in respective ones of the first and second notches and that are contacted by the respective resilient tabs of the first and second electrical contacts when the connector head is coupled to the substantially U-shaped head receiver.

[0334] Clause 139. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 136, wherein the first and second bottom walls have respective openings that are in alignment and that are in air flow communication with the MCM layer when the connector head is coupled to the substantially U- shaped head receiver.

[0335] Clause 140. A chuck pad apparatus comprising a chuck pad having a microclimate management (MCM) layer and a patient presence detector, a control unit including a blower and control circuitry, a hose extending between the control unit and theAttorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1 chuck pad, a connector coupled to a distal end of the hose and removably coupleable to the chuck pad so that air moved by the blower flows through the hose, the connector, and the MCM layer, the connector also carrying at least one electrical contact that electrically couples to the patient presence detector when the connector is coupled to the chuck pad so that the patient presence detector is in electrical communication with the control circuitry, wherein the blower is operatable to apply a negative pressure to the MCM layer via the hose and the connector so that air is drawn into the MCM layer from ambient atmosphere, and a humidity sensor downstream from the MCM layer and electrically coupled to the control circuitry, wherein the control circuitry is operable to detect that the chuck pad is soiled with incontinence in response to a humidity sensed by the humidity sensor changing over a predetermined period of time by an amount that exceeds a threshold.

[0336] Clause 141. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 140, wherein the humidity sensor is coupled to the hose and is configured to sense humidity of air within an interior region of the hose.

[0337] Clause 142. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 141, wherein the control circuitry is electrically coupled to the humidity sensor via one or more electrical conductors extending within or through the hose.

[0338] Clause 143. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 140, wherein the humidity sensor is coupled to the connector and is configured to sense humidity of air within an interior region of the connector.

[0339] Clause 144. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 143, wherein the control circuitry is electrically coupled to the humidity sensor via one or more electrical conductors extending within or through the hose and the connector.

[0340] Clause 145. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 140, wherein the humidity sensor comprises a first humidity sensor and further comprising a second humidity sensor downstream from the MCM layer and electrically coupled to the control circuitry, the second humidity sensor providing incontinence detection redundancy to the first humidity sensor.

[0341] Clause 146. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 140, wherein the patient presence detector includes a pair of electrodes that are used to detect a presence of a patient supported above the chuck pad and wherein the control circuitry is operable to monitor a capacitance of the pair of electrodes in connection with detecting the presence of the patient.

[0342] Clause 147. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 146, wherein the at least one electrical contact carried by the connector includes a pair of electrical contacts that electricallyAttorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1 couple to the pair of electrodes when the connector is coupled to the chuck pad so that the pair of electrodes are in electrical communication with the control circuitry.

[0343] Clause 148. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 147, wherein the pair of electrical contacts comprise first and second pins that are situated, at least in part, in a bore of the connector through which air moved by the blower passes, and wherein the first and second pins extend from the bore beyond the connector.

[0344] Clause 149. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 148, wherein the first and second pins are spring biased outwardly from the connector.

[0345] Clause 150. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 149, wherein the connector includes a pin carrier that spans across an opening of the connector and the first and second pins are supported by the pin carrier for movement relative to the connector.

[0346] Clause 151. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 149, further comprising first and second springs that bias the first and second pins, respectively, outwardly from the connector, wherein the connector includes first and second spring retainers in which the first and second springs, respectively, are situated, and wherein as the connector is moved toward the chuck pad during coupling to the chuck pad, ends of the first and second pins engage respective first and second contact regions of the pair of electrodes and further compress the springs so that the ends of the first and second pins are spring biased into engagement with the respective first and second contact regions when the connector is coupled to the chuck pad.

[0347] Clause 152. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 151, further comprising a generally cylindrical connector receiver that is coupled to the chuck pad and that receives a portion of the connector therein, the first contact region being aligned with a central axis of the generally cylindrical connector receiver and the second contact region being offset from the central axis.

[0348] Clause 153. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 152, wherein the connector comprises a cylindrical wall and a connection pin extending radially outwardly therefrom, the generally cylindrical connector receiver includes a somewhat L-shaped pin receiving slot that has a first slot portion though which the connection pin moves as the connector is moved in an axial direction parallel with the central axis and that has a second slot portion through which the connection pin moves as the connector is rotated about the central axis.

[0349] Clause 154. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 152, wherein the connector comprises a cylindrical wall and a pair of connection pins each extending generally radially outwardly therefrom, the generally cylindrical connector receiver includes a pair of somewhat L-shaped pin receiving slots that each have a first slot portion though which a correspondingAttorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1 one of the pair of connection pins moves as the connector is moved in an axial direction parallel with the central axis and that each have a second slot portion through which the corresponding one of the pair of connection pins moves as the connector is rotated about the central axis.

[0350] Clause 155. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 154, wherein the pair of connection pins are spaced apart around the central axis from each other by about 180°.

[0351] Clause 156. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 151, wherein the first contact region of the first electrode is generally circular and the second contact region of the second electrode is generally arcuate and wherein the connector couples to the generally cylindrical connector receiver via rotation of the connector through an arc such that the end of the first pin spins on the generally circular first contact region and the end of the second pin wipes along the arcuate second contact region.

[0352] Clause 157. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 156, wherein the generally arcuate second contact region extends by about 90° about the central axis of the generally cylindrical connector receiver and wherein the arc through which the connector rotates relative to the generally cylindrical connector receiver during coupling thereto is about 45°.

[0353] Clause 158. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 146, wherein the connector comprises a connector head having a substantially U-shaped sidewall with a substantially U- shaped groove formed therein adjacent to a substantially U-shaped ridge, and wherein the first and second electrical contacts are provided on the substantially U-shaped ridge.

[0354] Clause 159. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 158, further comprising a substantially U-shaped head receiver that is coupled to the chuck pad and that has a substantially U-shaped receiver groove configured to receive the substantially U-shaped ridge of the connector head therein, the substantially U-shaped head receiver having a pair of electrical pads that are electrically coupled to the pair of electrodes, and wherein the electrical contacts of the connector head contact the electrical pads when the connector head is coupled to the substantially U-shaped head receiver.

[0355] Clause 160. The chuck apparatus of clause 159, wherein the substantially U- shaped head receiver has a substantially U-shaped receiver ridge that is received in the substantially U-shaped groove of the connector head when the connector head is coupled to the substantially U-shaped head receiver.

[0356] Clause 161. The chuck pad apparatus of any of clauses 140-160, wherein the blower is turned off by the control circuitry in response to detection of incontinence based on data from the humidity sensor.Attorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1

[0357] Clause 162. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 140, wherein the connector comprises a connector head having a first bottom wall, a top wall, and a substantially U-shaped sidewall extending from the top wall, and wherein the at least one electrical contact includes a first portion integrally molded into the first bottom wall and a resilient tab extending from the first portion beyond a bottom surface of the first bottom wall.

[0358] Clause 163. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 162, further comprising a substantially U-shaped head receiver having a second bottom wall coupled to the chuck pad, the second bottom wall having at least one notch formed therethrough and configured to receive the resilient tab of the at least one electrical contact when the connector head is coupled to the substantially U-shaped head receiver.

[0359] Clause 164. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 163, wherein a substantially U-shaped groove is formed in the U-shaped sidewall of the connector head adjacent to a substantially U-shaped ridge of the U-shaped sidewall and wherein the substantially U-shaped head receiver has a substantially U-shaped receiver ridge that is received in the substantially U- shaped groove of the connector head when the connector head is coupled to the substantially U- shaped head receiver.

[0360] Clause 165. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 163, wherein the patient presence detector includes at least one contact pad that is exposed in the at least one notch and that is contacted by the at least one resilient tab of the at least one electrical contact when the connector head is coupled to the substantially U-shaped head receiver.

[0361] Clause 166. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 163, wherein the first and second bottom walls have respective openings that are in alignment and that are in air flow communication with the MCM layer when the connector head is coupled to the substantially U- shaped head receiver.

[0362] Clause 167. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 140, wherein the patient presence detector comprises a capacitance sensor located beneath the MCM layer.

[0363] Clause 168. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 140, wherein the patient presence detector comprises a capacitance sensor including a sheet of conductive fabric.

[0364] Clause 169. The chuck pad apparatus of clause 140, wherein the patient presence detector comprises a capacitance sensor including a plurality of spaced apart conductive strips of substantially equivalent length and an intersecting strip that extends across middle regions of the plurality of spaced apart conductive strips in substantially perpendicular relation therewith.Attorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1

[0365] Clause 170. An absorbent article, comprising a liquid permeable topsheet layer; a liquid impermeable backsheet layer; an absorbent core layer between the topsheet layer and the backsheet layer; an air permeable layer between the topsheet layer and backsheet layer and above the absorbent core layer; conductive traces provided on at least one of the topsheet layer, backsheet layer, core layer and air permeable layer, wherein the conductive traces configured to sense a presence of liquid within the absorbent article; and a connector adjacent at least one of the topsheet layer, backsheet layer, core layer, and air permeable layer, wherein the connector is configured to connect with a blower to move air through the air permeable layer and with liquid detection circuitry, wherein the connector comprises an electrical contact configured to electrically communicate with the conductive traces.

[0366] Clause 171. The absorbent article of clause 170, wherein the air permeable layer comprises at least one of foam and a 3-D spacer material.

[0367] Clause 172. The absorbent article of clause 170 or clause 171, wherein the air permeable layer comprises a high porosity foam material.

[0368] Clause 173. The absorbent article of any of clauses 170-172, wherein the topsheet layer comprises at least one of a woven and nonwoven material.

[0369] Clause 174. The absorbent article of any of clauses 170-174, wherein the backsheet layer comprises at least one of a breathable polyethylene film and a polypropylene (PP) spunbond nonwoven.

[0370] Clause 175. The absorbent article of any of clauses 170-174, wherein the connector comprises a generally cylindrical connector.

[0371] Clause 176. The absorbent article of any of claims 170-175, further comprising a patient presence detector connected with at least one of the topsheet layer, backsheet layer, core layer, and air permeable layer, wherein the patient presence detector is configured to detect presence of a patient above the absorbent article.

[0372] Clause 177. The absorbent article of any of clauses 170-176, wherein the patient presence detector comprises a capacitive sensor comprising at least one of a conductive fabric and a conductive strip.

[0373] Clause 178. The absorbent article of any of clauses 170-177, wherein the connector is configured to mate with a hose interface and to rotate relative thereto.

[0374] Clause 179. The absorbent article of any of clauses 170-178, wherein the connector comprises a pair of electrical contacts comprising first and second pins that are situated, at least in part, in a bore of the connector through which air moved by the blower passes.Attorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1

[0375] Clause 180. The absorbent article of clause 179, wherein the connector comprises at least one spring configured to bias the pair of electrical contacts relative to a or the hose interface.

[0376] Clause 181. The absorbent article of any of clauses 170-180, wherein the connector comprises a generally cylindrical connector receiver adjacent at least one of the topsheet layer, backsheet layer, core layer, and air permeable layer, and wherein the conductive traces include a first contact region and a second contact region accessible through the generally cylindrical connector receiver.

[0377] Clause 182. The absorbent article of any of clauses 170-177, wherein the connector comprises a resilient portion that electrically couples to at least one of the conductive traces.

[0378] Clause 183. An absorbent article, comprising a liquid permeable topsheet layer; a liquid impermeable backsheet layer; an absorbent core layer between the topsheet layer and the backsheet layer; an air permeable layer between the topsheet layer and backsheet layer and above the absorbent core layer; an electrical sensor provided on at least one of the topsheet layer, backsheet layer, core layer and air permeable layer, wherein the electrical sensor is configured to sense at least one of a presence of liquid within the absorbent article and a presence of a patient on the absorbent article; and a connector adjacent at least one of the topsheet layer, backsheet layer, core layer, and air permeable layer, wherein the connector is configured to connect with a blower to move air through the air permeable layer and provide electrical communication with the electrical sensor, the connector comprising an electrical contact configured to electrically communicate with the electrical sensor.

[0379] Clause 184. The absorbent article of clause 183, wherein the air permeable layer comprises at least one of foam and a 3-D spacer material.

[0380] Clause 185. The absorbent article of clause 183, wherein the air permeable layer comprises a high porosity foam material.

[0381] Clause 186. The absorbent article of any of clauses 183-185, wherein the topsheet layer comprises at least one of a woven and nonwoven material.

[0382] Clause 187. The absorbent article of any of clauses 183-186, wherein the backsheet layer comprises at least one of a breathable polyethylene film and a polypropylene (PP) spunbond nonwoven.

[0383] Clause 188. The absorbent article of any of clauses 183-187, wherein the connector comprises a generally cylindrical connector.Attorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1

[0384] Clause 189. The absorbent article of any of clauses 183-188, wherein the electrical sensor comprises at least one of a conductive fabric, a conductive strip, and a conductive trace.

[0385] Clause 190. The absorbent article of any of clauses 183-189, wherein the connector is configured to mate with a hose interface and to rotate relative thereto.

[0386] Clause 191. The absorbent article of any of clauses 183-190, wherein the connector comprises a pair of electrical contacts comprising first and second pins that are situated, at least in part, in a bore of the connector through which air moved by the blower passes.

[0387] Clause 192. The absorbent article of clause 191, wherein the connector comprises at least one spring configured to bias the pair of electrical contacts relative to a or the hose interface.

[0388] Clause 193. The absorbent article of any of clauses 183-192, wherein the connector comprises a generally cylindrical connector receiver adjacent at least one of the topsheet layer, backsheet layer, core layer, and air permeable layer, and wherein the electrical sensor includes a first contact region and a second contact region accessible through the generally cylindrical connector receiver.

[0389] Clause 194. The absorbent article of any of clauses 183-189, wherein the connector comprises a resilient portion that electrically couples to the electrical sensor.

[0390] Clause 195. An absorbent article, comprising a liquid permeable topsheet layer; a liquid impermeable backsheet layer; an absorbent core layer between the topsheet layer and the backsheet layer; an air permeable layer between the topsheet layer and backsheet layer and above the absorbent core layer; a sensor provided on at least one of the topsheet layer, backsheet layer, core layer and air permeable layer, wherein the sensor is configured to sense a presence of liquid within the absorbent article and to sense a presence of a patient on the absorbent article in the absence of any liquid within the absorbent article; and a connector adjacent at least one of the topsheet layer, backsheet layer, core layer, and air permeable layer, wherein the connector is configured to connect with a blower to move air through the air permeable layer and provide electrical communication with the sensor, wherein the connector is configured to mate with a hose interface of a hose in pneumatic communication with the blower.

[0391] Clause 196. The absorbent article of clause 195, wherein the air permeable layer comprises at least one of foam and a 3-D spacer material.Attorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1

[0392] Clause 197. The absorbent article of clause 195, wherein the air permeable layer comprises a high porosity foam material.

[0393] Clause 198. The absorbent article of any of clauses 195-197, wherein the topsheet layer comprises at least one of a woven and nonwoven material.

[0394] Clause 199. The absorbent article of any of clauses 195-198, wherein the backsheet layer comprises at least one of a breathable polyethylene film and a polypropylene (PP) spunbond nonwoven.

[0395] Clause 200. The absorbent article of any of clauses 195-199, wherein the connector comprises a generally cylindrical connector.

[0396] Clause 201. The absorbent article of any of clauses 195-200, wherein the sensor comprises at least one of a conductive fabric, a conductive strip, and a conductive trace.

[0397] Clause 202. The absorbent article of any of clauses 195-201, wherein the connector comprises at least one electrical contact configured to provide electrical communication with the sensor.

[0398] Clause 203. The absorbent article of clause 202, wherein the at least one electrical contact comprises a pair of electrical contacts including first and second pins that are situated, at least in part, in a bore of the connector through which air moved by the blower passes.

[0399] Clause 204. The absorbent article of clause 203, wherein the connector comprises at least one spring configured to bias the pair of electrical contacts relative to the hose interface.

[0400] Clause 205. The absorbent article of any of clauses 195-204, wherein the connector comprises a generally cylindrical connector receiver adjacent at least one of the topsheet layer, backsheet layer, core layer, and air permeable layer, and wherein the sensor includes a first contact region and a second contact region accessible through the generally cylindrical connector receiver.

[0401] Clause 206. The absorbent article of any of clauses 195-199, wherein the connector comprises a resilient portion that electrically couples to the sensor.

[0402] Clause 207. A mattress having integrated therein the absorbent article of any of clauses 170-206.

[0403] Clause 208. A mattress including a mattress topper portion that is provided, at least in part, by the absorbent article of any of clauses 170-206.

[0404] 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 toAttorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1 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 can be more desirable, it nonetheless cannot be necessary and embodiments lacking the same can be contemplated as within the scope of the disclosure, that scope being defined by the claims that follow.

[0405] When terms of degree such as “generally,” “substantially,” and “about” are used herein in connection with a numerical value or a qualitative term susceptible to a numerical measurement (e.g., vertical, horizontal, aligned, parallel, perpendicular), it is contemplated that an amount that is plus or minus 10 percent, and possibly up to plus or minus 20 percent, of the numerical value, is covered by such language, unless specifically noted otherwise, to at least account for manufacturing tolerances. For example, “vertical” may be defined as 90 degrees from horizontal and so “substantially vertical” and “generally vertical” according to the present disclosure means 90 degrees plus or minus 9 degrees, and possibly up to plus or minus 18 degrees. The same tolerance range for “substantially horizontal” and “generally horizontal” is also contemplated. Otherwise, a suitable definition for “generally,” “substantially,” and “about” is largely, but not necessarily wholly, the term specified.

[0406] When the terms “a” or “an” or the phrases “one or more” or “at least one” are used herein, including in the claims, they are all intended to be synonymous and mean that one or more than one of the thing recited may be present. Similarly, when the phrases “a plurality” or “two or more” or “at least two” or “a pair” are used, they are all intended to be synonymous and mean that two or more than two of the thing recited may be present. Furthermore, when the language “at least a portion” and / or “a portion” is used herein, the item can include a portion and / or the entire item unless specifically stated to the contrary.

[0407] According to this disclosure, phrases of the form “at least one of A and B” and “at least one of the following: A and B” and similar such phrases, mean “A alone, or B alone, or both A and B.” Phrases of the form “at least one of A or B” and “at least one of the following: A or B” and similar such phrases, also mean “A alone, or B alone, or both A and B.” Furthermore, phrases of the form “A and / or B” also mean “A alone, or B alone, or both A and B.”

[0408] 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 disclosureAttorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1 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 will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Also, while multiple inventive aspects and principles have been presented, they need not be utilized in combination, and many combinations of aspects and principles are possible in light of the various embodiments provided above.

Claims

Attorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1 WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A chuck pad apparatus comprising a chuck pad having a microclimate management (MCM) layer and a pair of incontinence detection electrodes, a control unit including a blower and incontinence detection circuitry, a hose extending between the control unit and the chuck pad, and a connector coupled to a distal end of the hose and removably coupleable to the chuck pad so that air moved by the blower flows through the hose, the connector, and the MCM layer, the connector also carrying a pair of electrical contacts that electrically couple to the pair of incontinence detection electrodes when the connector is coupled to the chuck pad so that the pair of incontinence detection electrodes are in electrical communication with the incontinence detection circuitry.

2. The chuck pad apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pair of electrical contacts comprise first and second pins that are situated, at least in part, in a bore of the connector through which air moved by the blower passes, and wherein the first and second pins extend from the bore beyond the connector.

3. The chuck pad apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first and second pins are spring biased outwardly from the connector.

4. The chuck pad apparatus of claim 3, wherein the connector includes a pin carrier that spans across an opening of the connector and the first and second pins are supported by the pin carrier for movement relative to the connector.

5. The chuck pad apparatus of claim 4, further comprising first and second springs that bias the first and second pins, respectively, outwardly from the connector, wherein the connector includes first and second spring retainers in which the first and second springs, respectively, are situated, and wherein as the connector is moved toward the chuck pad during coupling to the chuck pad, ends of the first and second pins engage respective first and second contact regions of the pair of incontinence detection electrodes and further compress the springs so that the ends of the first and second pins are spring biased into engagement with the respective first and second contact regions when the connector is coupled to the chuck pad.

6. The chuck pad apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a generally cylindrical connector receiver that is coupled to the chuck pad and that receives a portion of the connector therein, the first contact region being aligned with a central axis of the generally cylindrical connector receiver and the second contact region being offset from the central axis.Attorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1 7. The chuck pad apparatus of claim 6, wherein the connector comprises a cylindrical wall and a connection pin extending radially outwardly therefrom, the generally cylindrical connector receiver includes a somewhat L-shaped pin receiving slot that has a first slot portion though which the connection pin moves as the connector is moved in an axial direction parallel with the central axis and that has a second slot portion through which the connection pin moves as the connector is rotated about the central axis.

8. The chuck pad apparatus of claim 6, wherein the connector comprises a cylindrical wall and a pair of connection pins each extending generally radially outwardly therefrom, the generally cylindrical connector receiver includes a pair of somewhat L-shaped pin receiving slots that each have a first slot portion though which a corresponding one of the pair of connection pins moves as the connector is moved in an axial direction parallel with the central axis and that each have a second slot portion through which the corresponding one of the pair of connection pins moves as the connector is rotated about the central axis.

9. The chuck pad apparatus of claim 8, wherein the pair of connection pins are spaced apart around the central axis from each other by about 180°.

10. The chuck pad apparatus of claim 6, wherein the first contact region is generally circular and the second contact region is generally arcuate and wherein the connector couples to the generally cylindrical connector receiver via rotation of the connector through an arc such that the end of the first pin spins on the generally circular first contact region and the end of the second pin wipes along the arcuate second contact region.

11. The chuck pad apparatus of claim 10, wherein the generally arcuate second contact region extends by about 90° about the central axis of the generally cylindrical connector receiver and wherein the arc through which the connector rotates relative to the generally cylindrical connector receiver during coupling thereto is about 45°.

12. The chuck pad apparatus of claim 1, wherein the connector comprises a connector head having a substantially U-shaped sidewall with a substantially U-shaped groove formed therein adjacent to a substantially U-shaped ridge, and wherein the first and second electrical contacts are provided on the substantially U-shaped ridge.

13. The chuck pad apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a substantially U-shaped head receiver that is coupled to the chuck pad and that has a substantially U-shaped receiver groove configured to receive the substantially U-shaped ridge of the connector head therein, the substantially U-shaped head receiver having a pair of electrical pads that are electrically coupled to the pair of incontinence detection electrodes, and wherein the electricalAttorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1 contacts of the connector head contact the electrical pads when the connector head is coupled to the substantially U-shaped head receiver.

14. The chuck apparatus of claim 13, wherein the substantially U-shaped head receiver has a substantially U-shaped receiver ridge that is received in the substantially U- shaped groove of the connector head when the connector head is coupled to the substantially U- shaped head receiver.

15. The chuck pad apparatus of any of claims 1-14, wherein the chuck pad further includes a patient presence detector operable to detect that a patient is supported above the chuck pad and wherein the control unit further includes patient presence detection circuitry that is electrically coupled to the patient presence detector.

16. The chuck pad apparatus of claim 15, wherein the patient presence detector is electrically coupled to the patient presence detector circuitry via the pair of electrical contacts carried by the connector.

17. The chuck pad apparatus of claim 15, wherein the incontinence detection circuitry and the patient presence detection circuitry are operated alternately to monitor an electrical resistance between the pair of electrodes and a capacitance detected by the patient presence detector.

18. The chuck pad apparatus of claim 15, wherein the patient presence detector comprises a capacitance sensor located beneath the pair of incontinence detection electrodes.

19. The chuck pad apparatus of claim 18, wherein the capacitance sensor comprises a sheet of conductive fabric.

20. The chuck pad apparatus of claim 18, wherein the capacitance sensor comprises a plurality of spaced apart conductive strips of substantially equivalent length and an intersecting strip that extends across middle regions of the plurality of spaced apart conductive strips in substantially perpendicular relation therewith.

21. The chuck pad apparatus of any of claims 1-14, wherein incontinence from a patient is detected by the incontinence detection circuitry based on an electrical resistance detected between the pair of incontinence detection electrodes, wherein the pair of incontinence detection electrodes also serve as a patient presence detector, and wherein the control unit further includes patient presence detection circuitry that is operable to monitor a capacitance of the pair of incontinence detection electrodes to determine if a patient is present above the chuck pad.Attorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1 22. The chuck pad apparatus of claim 21, wherein the incontinence detection circuitry and the patient presence detection circuitry are operated alternately to monitor the electrical resistance between the pair of incontinence detection electrodes and the capacitance of the pair of incontinence detection electrodes.

23. The chuck pad apparatus of any of claims 1-22, wherein the blower is turned off in response to incontinence bridging across the pair of incontinence detection electrodes creating a closed circuit condition as detected by the incontinence detection circuitry.

24. The chuck pad apparatus of any of claims 1-23, wherein the chuck pad has a series of hand grip openings formed adjacent to opposite side edges thereof so that the chuck pad is also usable as a lateral transfer pad to move a patient from one patient support apparatus to another.

25. The chuck pad apparatus of any of claims 1-24, wherein the chuck pad includes a main body and loops extending from an outer periphery of the main body for attachment to a patient lift sling of a motorized patient lift.

26. The chuck pad apparatus of any of claims 1-25, wherein a speed of the blower is increased to expel a sufficient amount of air through one or more bottom openings of the chuck pad to create an air bearing beneath the chuck pad suitable to assist in lateral transfer of a patient supported on the chuck pad from one patient support apparatus to another.

27. The chuck pad apparatus of any of claims 1-26, wherein a bottom surface of the chuck pad comprises a low friction material to facilitate lateral transfer of a patient supported on the chuck pad from one patient support apparatus to another or to facilitate repositioning of the patient on a single patient support apparatus.

28. The chuck pad apparatus of any of claim 1-27, further comprising one or more rotation bladders provided on a bottom of the chuck pad, the one or more rotation bladders being inflatable to laterally rotate a patient supported on the chuck pad.

29. The chuck pad apparatus of any of claims 1-28, further comprising one or more sit assist bladders provided on a bottom of the chuck pad, the one or more sit assist bladders being inflatable to raise a patient’s torso upwardly toward a sitting position.

30. The chuck pad apparatus of any of claims 1-29, further comprising one or more heel relief bladders coupled to the chuck pad, the one or more heel relief bladders being inflatable beneath a patient’s calves or ankles to raise the patient’s heels upwardly off of an underlying support surface.Attorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1 31. The chuck pad apparatus of any of claims 1-30, wherein a bottom surface of the chuck pad has low friction areas and high friction areas to facilitate holding foam wedges in place beneath the chuck pad when placed beneath the high friction areas.

32. The chuck pad apparatus of any of claims 1-31, wherein the chuck pad has an integrated x-ray sleeve configured to receive an x-ray cassette therein.

33. The chuck pad apparatus of claim 1, wherein the blower is operable to apply a positive pressure to the MCM layer via the hose and the connector so that air is pushed through the MCM layer to ambient atmosphere.

34. The chuck pad apparatus of claim 1, wherein the blower is operatable to apply a negative pressure to the MCM layer via the hose and the connector so that air is drawn into the MCM layer from ambient atmosphere.

35. The chuck pad apparatus of claim 1, wherein the connector comprises a connector head having a first bottom wall, a top wall, and a substantially U-shaped sidewall extending from the top wall, and wherein the pair of electrical contacts each include a first portion integrally molded into the first bottom wall and a resilient tab extending from the first portion beyond a bottom surface of the first bottom wall.

36. The chuck pad apparatus of claim 35, further comprising a substantially U-shaped head receiver having a second bottom wall coupled to the chuck pad, the second bottom wall having first and second notches formed therethrough and configured to receive the resilient tabs of the first and second electrical contacts when the connector head is coupled to the substantially U-shaped head receiver.

37. The chuck pad apparatus of claim 36, wherein a substantially U-shaped groove is formed in the U-shaped sidewall of the connector head adjacent to a substantially U- shaped ridge of the U-shaped sidewall and wherein the substantially U-shaped head receiver has a substantially U-shaped receiver ridge that is received in the substantially U-shaped groove of the connector head when the connector head is coupled to the substantially U-shaped head receiver.

38. The chuck pad apparatus of claim 36, wherein the pair of incontinence detection electrodes include first and second contact pads that are exposed in respective ones of the first and second notches and that are contacted by the respective resilient tabs of the first and second electrical contacts when the connector head is coupled to the substantially U-shaped head receiver.

39. The chuck pad apparatus of claim 36, wherein the first and second bottom walls have respective openings that are in alignment and that are in air flowAttorney Docket: 7175-423469 Client Reference: 12419.WOU1 communication with the MCM layer when the connector head is coupled to the substantially U- shaped head receiver.

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