Abstract: The patient support with a head end and a foot end comprises a lying surface supported by a frame system. It also comprises a pair of head end siderails, a pair of foot end siderails, a headboard, a footboard, a power system and a communication system.

Abstract: A vibrating patient support apparatus has a resonant referencing percussion device preferably located internally to a cover of a mattress of the apparatus. The percussion device delivers a percussion or vibration at a controlled operating frequency that is preferably slightly less than a resonant frequency located internal to the mattress of the apparatus. With the various weight distributions of a patient, the device is capable of determining the ever shifting resonant frequency via control signals received by a controller from a pressure sensor or accelerometer of the device. Because the operating frequency is slightly less than the natural resonating frequency, energy of the system is conserved. Because the operating frequency is not the controller calculated resonant frequency, wear on the device and potential damage is minimized.

Abstract: A voltage transient suppression circuit includes a capacitor, a diode, and a voltage limiter. The negative terminal of the capacitor can be coupled to the negative terminal of a variable voltage circuit element (e.g., a switching device, a series impedance, or a load). The anode of the diode can be coupled to the positive terminal of the variable voltage circuit element, and the cathode of the diode is connected to the positive terminal of the capacitor. The voltage limiter is connected in parallel with the capacitor. When the voltage applied across the voltage limiter is above a predetermined voltage, current is allowed to conduct through the voltage limiter and a voltage potential drop across the voltage limiter is substantially independent of the current conducted therethrough. When the voltage applied across the voltage limiter is below the predetermined voltage, current is substantially prevented from passing through the voltage limiter.

Abstract: Apparatus and related method for deriving, from voltage across a power switch, power for a gate drive which opens and closes the power switch in response to a control signal includes a first voltage converter connected in parallel with the power switch and a series combination also connected in parallel with the power switch. The first voltage converter converts a high input voltage which appears across the power switch when the power switch is open to a low output voltage. The series combination includes a second voltage converter for receiving the low output voltage from the first voltage converter, converting it, and providing the converted voltage to the gate drive. The series combination also includes a high-voltage switch, connected in series with the second voltage converter, for opening and closing when the power switch is opened and closed by the gate drive in response to the control signal.

Abstract: A high-power modulator includes a plurality of means for limiting voltage and a plurality of controllable switches. Each of the switches is connected in parallel with a different one of the voltage limiting means to form a plurality of parallel pairs. Each of the parallel pairs is connected to each other in a series combination. A first parallel pair in the series combination can be connected to a main power source, and a last parallel pair in the series combination can be connected to a load. Each of the switches is switchable from an off or open position to an on or closed position.