Abstract: A utility power generator includes a flywheel that includes an outer perimeter that is operable between a planar position and a plurality of sinusoidal positions. A hub is concentrically positioned within the flywheel, wherein the hub defines a rotational axis of the flywheel. An axial fitting traverses relative to the hub and along the rotational axis in an axial direction as the flywheel operates between the planar position and the plurality of sinusoidal positions. The flywheel, the hub and the axial fitting are rotationally linked to synchronously rotate about the rotational axis. Rotation of the flywheel biases the axial fitting toward the planar position. A transfer fitting is coupled to at least one of the flywheel, the hub and the transfer fitting. Rotation of the flywheel about the rotational axis operates the transfer fitting to operate a tool.

Abstract: A patient handling system comprising a patient support apparatus having a patient support surface, a component, and a force generating device inducing movement or assisting in movement of the component, and a sheet for covering at least a portion of the patient support surface, and the sheet coupled to the component wherein when the force generating device is operated to induce movement or assist in movement of the component, the movement induces the sheet to move relative to the patient support surface.

Abstract: A person support apparatus includes a deck with a seat section, a leg section, and a back section. The back section is pivotally mounted to the seat section. The leg section has a proximal end pivotally mounted to the seat section and a cantilevered end spaced a first distance from its proximal end. The seat section, the leg section, and the back section are arranged to lie in a common plane when the deck is in a supine configuration to support a person in a supine position. A lift is mounted to the seat section of the deck, with the lift being configured to raise the deck relative to a supporting floor surface to a maximum height less than the first distance.

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 person handling apparatus includes a deck with a seat section, a leg section, and a back section. The back section is pivotally mounted to the seat section. The leg section has a proximal end pivotally mounted to the seat section and a cantilevered end spaced a first distance from its proximal end. The seat section, the leg section, and the back section are arranged to lie in a common plane when the deck is in a supine configuration to support a person in a supine position. First and second leg assemblies are pivotally mounted to the deck to move between (1) first deployed positions wherein the first and second leg assemblies are angled relative to the deck when the deck is in the supine configuration to support the deck in a raised composition and (2) second deployed positions when the deck is supported in the chair configuration.

Abstract: A patient mobility system for early patient ambulation. An ambulation device having a barrier is removably coupled to a patient support apparatus such that, in a coupled configuration, the barrier prevents patient egress from the patient support apparatus. The ambulation device configured to provide support to a patient during ambulation away from the patient support apparatus. Each of the patient support apparatus and the ambulation device can comprise a lift device operably controlled by a controller to maintain or control relative positioning of the patient support surface and the barrier in the coupled configuration. The lift device of the ambulatory device can comprise a gas spring having locking element. The ambulation device can comprise patient carrier removably coupled to a patient carrier mount. The patient carrier is configured to cooperate with the barrier to support the patient above a floor surface in a seated position.

Abstract: A thermal control system for controlling a temperature of a fluid delivered to a patient is provided. The thermal control system includes a cavity that removably receives a cartridge housing the fluid. The thermal control system includes a heat exchanger in thermal contact with at least one of the opposing walls of the cavity. The cartridge includes opposing surfaces defining a chamber therebetween for housing the fluid, the cartridge adapted to be removably received within the cavity. A biasing element is incorporated into the cartridge and adapted to bias the opposing cartridge surfaces away from one another and into contact with the opposing cavity walls. Contact between the cartridge surfaces and the cavity walls facilitates the transfer of thermal energy between the heat exchanger and the fluid housed within the cartridge.

Abstract: A patient handling system comprising a patient support apparatus having a patient support surface, a component, and a force generating device inducing movement or assisting in movement of the component, and a sheet for covering at least a portion of the patient support surface, and the sheet coupled to the component wherein when the force generating device is operated to induce movement or assist in movement of the component, the movement induces the sheet to move relative to the patient support surface.

Abstract: An actuator for use in effecting movement of a movable member with respect to a first member of a patient support apparatus. A motor is provided for generating rotational torque. A carrier is adapted to be secured to the first member. An input member is coupled to the motor for concurrent rotation. An output member is adapted to be coupled to the movable member. A reduction geartrain is supported between the input member and the output member. A clutch assembly is disposed in torque-translating relationship between the reduction geartrain and the output member and moves between: an engaged configuration wherein torque from the motor is translated across the reduction geartrain to move the movable member with respect to the first member, and a disengaged configuration wherein torque is at least partially interrupted across the reduction geartrain to allow movement of the movable member independent of rotation of the motor.

Abstract: A patient handling system comprising a patient support apparatus having a patient support surface, a component, and a force generating device inducing movement or assisting in movement of the component, and a sheet for covering at least a portion of the patient support surface, and the sheet coupled to the component wherein when the force generating device is operated to induce movement or assist in movement of the component, the movement induces the sheet to move relative to the patient support surface.

Abstract: A medical system includes a medical apparatus, a computer, a user input device, and at least one feature in communication with and controlled by the computer. The computer is in communication with the user input device, which is configured and arranged to allow a user to purchase the use of the feature. The computer is configured to enable the use of the feature after the user purchases use of the feature.

Abstract: A patient support includes a patient support surface, a DVT pump mounted in the patient support, and a port mounted at the patient support in selective fluid communication with the DVT pump. Optionally, the patient support further includes a control system to detect when a DVT device is coupled or in close proximity to the port and/or the type of DVT device. Further, the control system may be configured to control the pump based on the type of DVT device coupled to the port.

Abstract: A utility power generator includes a flywheel that includes an outer perimeter that is operable between a planar position and a plurality of sinusoidal positions. A hub is concentrically positioned within the flywheel, wherein the hub defines a rotational axis of the flywheel. An axial fitting traverses relative to the hub and along the rotational axis in an axial direction as the flywheel operates between the planar position and the plurality of sinusoidal positions. The flywheel, the hub and the axial fitting are rotationally linked to synchronously rotate about the rotational axis. Rotation of the flywheel biases the axial fitting toward the planar position. A transfer fitting is coupled to at least one of the flywheel, the hub and the transfer fitting. Rotation of the flywheel about the rotational axis operates the transfer fitting to operate a tool.

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: There is provided a patient support that may be adjustable in height, width, length or a combination thereof. The patient support may be useable with normal sized patients or with bariatric patients. The patient support has a variety of features to enhance operability and/or functionality, including a width adjustable caster frame, width adjustable deck portions, a width adjustable headboard and an extendible foot board to provide extra length. An enhanced lift mechanism can accommodate bariatric patients and alternative functionality in achieving deck positions improves patient comfort. Various parts of the patient support including deck panels and the footboard may be removed and replaced with ease without complicated connectors.

Abstract: A transport apparatus includes a base, a sling, and a support frame mounted to the base. The frame is configured to move from a first position relative to the base to a second position relative to the base. The frame includes a U-shaped frame with a lower cross-frame member and vertically oriented spaced side frame members joined with the cross-frame member. The side frame members support arm rests, and the cross-frame member optionally forms a footrest. In another aspect, the frame includes an access opening to allow a person egress and ingress to and from the sling through the frame.

Abstract: A thermal control system for controlling a temperature of a fluid delivered to a patient is provided. The thermal control system includes a cavity that removably receives a cartridge housing the fluid. The thermal control system includes a heat exchanger in thermal contact with at least one of the opposing walls of the cavity. The cartridge includes opposing surfaces defining a chamber therebetween for housing the fluid, the cartridge adapted to be removably received within the cavity. A biasing element is incorporated into the cartridge and adapted to bias the opposing cartridge surfaces away from one another and into contact with the opposing cavity walls. Contact between the cartridge surfaces and the cavity walls facilitates the transfer of thermal energy between the heat exchanger and the fluid housed within the cartridge.

Abstract: A patient mobility system for early patient ambulation. An ambulation device having a barrier is removably coupled to a patient support apparatus such that, in a coupled configuration, the barrier prevents patient egress from the patient support apparatus. The ambulation device configured to provide support to a patient during ambulation away from the patient support apparatus. Each of the patient support apparatus and the ambulation device can comprise a lift device operably controlled by a controller to maintain or control relative positioning of the patient support surface and the barrier in the coupled configuration. The lift device of the ambulatory device can comprise a gas spring having locking element. The ambulation device can comprise patient carrier removably coupled to a patient carrier mount. The patient carrier is configured to cooperate with the barrier to support the patient above a floor surface in a seated position.

Abstract: A person support apparatus includes a deck with a seat section, a leg section, and a back section. The back section is pivotally mounted to the seat section. The leg section has a proximal end pivotally mounted to the seat section and a cantilevered end spaced a first distance from its proximal end. The seat section, the leg section, and the back section are arranged to lie in a common plane when the deck is in a supine configuration to support a person in a supine position. A lift is mounted to the seat section of the deck, with the lift being configured to raise the deck relative to a supporting floor surface to a maximum height less than the first distance.

Abstract: A person handling apparatus includes a deck with a seat section, a leg section, and a back section. The back section is pivotally mounted to the seat section. The leg section has a proximal end pivotally mounted to the seat section and a cantilevered end spaced a first distance from its proximal end. The seat section, the leg section, and the back section are arranged to lie in a common plane when the deck is in a supine configuration to support a person in a supine position. First and second leg assemblies are pivotally mounted to the deck to move between (1) first deployed positions wherein the first and second leg assemblies are angled relative to the deck when the deck is in the supine configuration to support the deck in a raised composition and (2) second deployed positions when the deck is supported in the chair configuration.