Abstract: A patient transport apparatus for transporting a patient over a surface. The patient transport apparatus has support wheels coupled to a base and swivelable about swivel axes. An auxiliary wheel assembly is coupled to the base and includes an auxiliary wheel configured to move between a plurality of wheel positions, and an actuator operably coupled to the auxiliary wheel to move the auxiliary wheel between the plurality of wheel positions. A sensing system with a sensor is provided to detect a motion condition of the patient transport apparatus. A controller is coupled to the sensing system and to the actuator, and is configured to drive the actuator to move the auxiliary wheel between the plurality of wheel positions based on the motion condition of the patient transport apparatus.

Abstract: A power transfer system comprises a patient support apparatus and a power transfer device. The power transfer system provides convenience and ease of connection between a power source and the patient support apparatus to provide power to one or more electrically powered devices on the patient support apparatus or to provide energy for an energy storage device on the patient support apparatus.

Abstract: A system is provided that comprises a patient support apparatus and a unit being independent from the patient support apparatus. The patient support apparatus comprises a support structure having a base and a patient support surface for a patient. The patient support apparatus also comprises an electrical distribution system, one or more electrical devices, and an energy storage device (ESD) configured to store energy to power the one or more electrical devices through the electrical distribution system. The unit is configured to autonomously interact with the patient support apparatus to remove the ESD from the patient support apparatus and/or to place a replacement ESD on to the patient support apparatus.

Abstract: Systems for facilitating movement of a patient transport apparatus are provided and include user input control device that includes a mode switch selectable between a longitudinal transport mode and a multidirectional mode and a driving assist device actuatable between at least one engaged state and a non-engaged state. The mode switch generates signals based on the selected mode and the driving assist device generates engaged or non-engaged signals which are received by a controller. The controller is configured to generate an output signal sent to a lift actuator, swivel actuator, and/or a powered drive system to assist a user in propelling the apparatus in a desired manner.

Abstract: A power transfer system comprises a patient transport apparatus and a power transfer device. The power transfer system provides convenience and ease of connection between a power source and the patient transport apparatus to provide power to one or more electrically powered devices on the patient transport apparatus or to provide energy for an energy storage device on the patient transport apparatus.

Abstract: A power transfer system comprises a patient transport apparatus and a power transfer device. The power transfer system provides convenience and ease of connection between a power source and the patient transport apparatus to provide power to one or more electrically powered devices on the patient transport apparatus or to provide energy for an energy storage device on the patient transport apparatus.

Abstract: A mattress cover for a mattress providing movement therapy to a patient. A patient support portion covers the upper surface of the mattress, and a bottom portion is coupled to the patient support portion. The mattress cover may substantially encase the mattress. An augmenting feature is associated with a peripheral portion with the augmenting feature adapted to move between a stored configuration, and a deployed configuration in response to increasing thickness of the mattress during the movement therapy. The augmenting feature may include concertinaed material, such as thermoformed plastic, and/or a fold of material coupled to the peripheral portion. The patient support portion and the bottom portion may at least partially overlap and be moveable relative to one another. The mattress cover may be included on a mattress overlay having a patient turning device, or on the mattress supported on a patient support apparatus.

Abstract: A patient transport apparatus transports a patient over a surface. The patient transport apparatus comprises a base and support wheels coupled to the base. An auxiliary wheel assembly is coupled to the base and comprises one or more auxiliary wheels that influence motion of the patient transport apparatus over the surface to assist caregivers. An actuator system is operatively coupled to the auxiliary wheels to move the auxiliary wheels relative to the base from a stowed position to a first deployed position, and further to a second deployed position.

Abstract: A mattress cover for a mattress providing movement therapy to a patient. A patient support portion covers the upper surface of the mattress, and a bottom portion is coupled to the patient support portion. The mattress cover may substantially encase the mattress. An augmenting feature is associated with a peripheral portion with the augmenting feature adapted to move between a stored configuration, and a deployed configuration in response to increasing thickness of the mattress during the movement therapy. The augmenting feature may include concertinaed material, such as thermoformed plastic, and/or a fold of material coupled to the peripheral portion. The patient support portion and the bottom portion may at least partially overlap and be moveable relative to one another. The mattress cover may be included on a mattress overlay having a patient turning device, or on the mattress supported on a patient support apparatus.

Abstract: Energy harvesting and propulsion assistance techniques for a patient support apparatus are provided. The patient support apparatus comprises a base, a patient support surface supported by the base, and a powered device (e.g., propulsion device). An energy harvest and release system includes a harvesting device for harvesting energy, a storage device for storing and releasing the harvested energy, and a controller coupled to the harvesting device, the storage device, and the powered device. The controller is automated to selectively instruct the harvesting device to harvest energy and to selectively instruct release of the harvested energy from the storage device for consumption by the powered device (e.g., to assist in movement of the patient support apparatus).

Abstract: A patient transport apparatus transports a patient over a surface. The patient transport apparatus comprises a base and support wheels coupled to the base. An auxiliary wheel assembly is coupled to the base and comprises one or more auxiliary wheels that influence motion of the patient transport apparatus over the surface to assist caregivers. An actuator system is operatively coupled to the auxiliary wheels to move the auxiliary wheels relative to the base from a stowed position to a first deployed position, and further to a second deployed position.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus for use in ambulating a patient to a floor surface. A patient support deck is operatively attached to a base and has a seat section, a leg section, and a pair of foot sections. The patient support deck is operable between a bed configuration and a chair configuration. In the bed configuration, the seat section, leg section, and foot sections support the patient in a flat position. In the chair configuration, the seat section supports the patient in a seated position, the leg section is articulated adjacent to the floor surface, and the foot sections are articulated relative to the leg section and out of support of the patient. A handle to facilitate patient ambulation is coupled to each of the foot sections, and the handles are arranged to facilitate patient ambulation when the patient support deck is in the chair configuration.

Abstract: A patient transport apparatus operable by a user for transporting a patient along stairs. A seat section is coupled to a support structure supporting a track assembly having a belt. A motor selectively generates torque to drive the belt. A user interface is arranged for engagement by the user, and has a direction input control for selecting a drive direction of the motor, and an activation input control for operating the motor to drive the belt. A controller in communication with the motor and the user interface is configured to limit operation of the motor in response to user engagement of the activation input control preceding engagement of the direction input control to prevent driving the belt, and to permit operation of the motor in response to user engagement of the activation input control following engagement of the direction input control to drive the belt in a selected drive direction.

Abstract: A patient containment system for securing a patient to a patient transport apparatus, comprising a first lower strap and a second lower strap. Each of the first lower strap and the second lower strap have a thigh region, a waist region, and a connection region arranged between the thigh region and the waist region. A first connector is coupled to the connection region of the first lower strap. A second connector is coupled to the connection region of the second lower strap, and is configured to releasably attach to the first connector to at least partially limit movement of the first lower strap relative to the second lower strap. The connection region defines a connection width, and the thigh region defines a thigh width larger than the connection width.

Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating movement of a patient transport apparatus. The patient transport apparatus has a support structure comprising a patient support surface. A wheel assembly comprises a base wheel having an outer periphery rotatably coupled to the support structure about a base rotational axis. The wheel assembly also comprises a plurality of peripheral wheels disposed about the outer periphery to rotate about a plurality of peripheral rotational axes. The wheel assembly comprises a motion control device configured to selectively control rotation of the peripheral wheels independent of rotation of the base wheel about the base rotational axis.

Abstract: A power transfer system comprises a patient transport apparatus and a power transfer device. The power transfer system provides convenience and ease of connection between a power source and the patient transport apparatus to provide power to one or more electrically powered devices on the patient transport apparatus or to provide energy for an energy storage device on the patient transport apparatus.

Abstract: Techniques for a patient support apparatus are provided to assist in transferring power/data to an external electronic device, such as a smartphone. The patient support apparatus comprises a support structure, a power supply and a portable charging device. The charging device comprises an energy storage unit and a receiving element coupled to the energy storage unit. The receiving element is configured to wirelessly receive power. A receptacle is coupled to the support structure and comprises a surface including a sending element being coupled to the power supply. The surface is configured to receive the charging device. The charging device is removable from the surface. The sending element is configured to wirelessly transfer power to the receiving element of the charging device such that the energy storage unit of the charging device stores the transferred power for charging an external electronic device.

Abstract: A patient transport system comprising a patient support apparatus and a wheeled accessory. The wheeled accessory comprises an accessory base and at least two legs radially extending outwardly from the accessory base. The legs are spaced apart from one another to define an accommodation space between two legs. The patient support apparatus comprises a patient support base, and wheels coupled to the patient support base. The patient support apparatus further comprises an accessory coupler capable of releasably securing the wheeled accessory to the patient support apparatus, the accessory coupler movable relative to the patient support base into first and second positions. The accessory base and the patient support apparatus are configured such that at least one of the wheels is at least partially nested within the accommodation space when the wheeled accessory is secured to the accessory coupler and the accessory coupler is in the first position.

Abstract: Techniques for a patient support apparatus are provided to assist in transferring power/data to an external electronic device, such as a smartphone. The patient support apparatus comprises a support structure, a power supply and a portable charging device. The charging device comprises an energy storage unit and a receiving element coupled to the energy storage unit. The receiving element is configured to wirelessly receive power. A receptacle is coupled to the support structure and comprises a surface including a sending element being coupled to the power supply. The surface is configured to receive the charging device. The charging device is removable from the surface. The sending element is configured to wirelessly transfer power to the receiving element of the charging device such that the energy storage unit of the charging device stores the transferred power for charging an external electronic device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating movement of a patient transport apparatus. The patient transport apparatus has a support structure and a patient support surface. Caster assemblies are coupled to the support structure to roll about a roll axis and swivel about a swivel axis. A control system is configured to control brake mechanisms, steer-lock mechanisms, and pre-swivel mechanisms of the caster assemblies based on one or more inputs.