Abstract: A patient handling device includes a controller, with a plurality of sensors, control panels, and lamps electrically connected to the controller. The patient handling device records the normal/desired state of the various components when power is applied. When one of the components goes outside the normal/desired state, the controller issues an alarm. This alarm includes illuminating a plurality of amber alert lamps which can normally be viewed by a user at any position around the outside of the patient handling device. The patient handling device also includes a position control. This control restricts movement of an upper (fowler) portion of the patient handling device in a certain range of angular positions, while permitting movement of the upper portion outside the certain range.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are described for moving a patient to and from various locations, care units, etc., within a care facility. For example a transport and support vehicle includes a body structure including a plurality of rotatable members operable to frictionally interface the vehicle to a travel path and to move the vehicle along the travel path, and a surface structured and dimensioned to support an individual subject. A transport and support vehicle can include, for example, an imager operably coupled to one or more of a power source, a steering assembly, one or more of the plurality of rotatable members, etc., and having one or more modules operable to control the power source, steering assembly, one or more of the plurality of rotatable members, etc., so as to maintain an authorized operator in the image zone.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are described for moving a patient to and from various locations, care units, etc., within a care facility. For example a transport and support vehicle includes a body structure including a plurality of rotatable members operable to frictionally interface the vehicle to a travel path and to move the vehicle along the travel path, and a surface structured and dimensioned to support an individual subject. A transport and support vehicle can include, for example, an elevator interface module that provides communicate and control of elevator controller.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are described for moving a patient to and from various locations, care units, etc., within a care facility. For example a transport and support vehicle includes a body structure including a plurality of rotatable members operable to frictionally interface the vehicle to a travel path and to move the vehicle along the travel path, and a surface structured and dimensioned to support an individual subject. A transport and support vehicle can include, for example, an imager operably coupled to one or more of a power source, a steering assembly, one or more of the plurality of rotatable members, etc., and having one or more modules operable to control the power source, steering assembly, one or more of the plurality of rotatable members, etc., so as to maintain an authorized operator in the image zone.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are described for moving a patient to and from various locations, care units, etc., within a care facility. For example a transport and support vehicle includes a body structure including a plurality of rotatable members operable to frictionally interface the vehicle to a travel path and to move the vehicle along the travel path, and a surface structured and dimensioned to support an individual subject. A transport and support vehicle can include, for example, an imager operably coupled to one or more of a power source, a steering assembly, one or more of the plurality of rotatable members, etc., and having one or more modules operable to control the power source, steering assembly, one or more of the plurality of rotatable members, etc., so as to maintain an authorized operator in the image zone.

Abstract: A patient support table is provided. The patient support table includes a table plate that may be moved manually or by at least one motor having a control facility. At least one sensor is provided on the table plate. The at least one sensor is operable to determine a force exerted by a user on the table plate for table plate movement and produce a sensor signal. The at least one sensor is operable to communicate with the control facility of the motor. The control facility is operable to control the motor as a function of the sensor signal that is based on a predetermined reference force value such that the reference force value is not exceeded during the table movement.

Abstract: A sacral support for a surgical table, comprising a plate having two spaced-apart openings formed therein. The openings are aligned along an axis of the plate and disposed adjacent one end of the plate. A pad is attached to the plate. The pad is dimensioned such that the openings in the plate are exposed. A positioning post is attachable to the plate. The post has a lower end dimensioned to be received in the openings in plate, wherein the post is mountable in the plate in one of two different positions.

Abstract: An articulating bed incorporates a support frame having an upper body support section. A lumbar actuation lever extends from a rotatable torque tube with angle arms extending from the torque tube to a lumbar support element. The lumbar support element is retracted against the upper body support section creating minimal deflection in a lumbar region of a mattress. The torque tube is rotated with to elevate the lumbar support element. A head support bracket is mounted to a neck angle adjustment section. The neck angle adjustment section is aligned with the upper body support section. or rotated about hinge elements to provide an angled head and neck position with respect to the upper body support section.

Abstract: A nursing bed, including at least a net-shaped fabric with a mesh opening, and a bearing frame. The net-shaped fabric includes a warp and a weft interwoven in a vertical direction. The diameter or inscribed circle diameter of the mesh opening is 2 to 6 times the diameter of the warp and the weft. The ratio of the area of an opening of the mesh opening to the area of the mesh opening is 35% to 78%. The diameter or inscribed circle diameter of the mesh opening is less than 1.5 mm. A plurality of warp interwoven strips or weft interwoven strips is disposed on the net-shaped fabric in a direction of one of the strip or the weft, or in directions of the strip and the weft. The interwoven strips are uniformly distributed on the net-shaped fabric and in a pectinate shape or grid shape.

Abstract: A patient flatwall system comprises a generally horizontal track extending generally parallel and adjacent to a wall of a hospital room, and at least one patient flatwall coupled to the track for movement therealong and for rotational movement relative thereto about a generally vertical axis. The at least one flatwall has a plurality of service connectors. In another embodiment, a patient flatwall system comprises a short telescopic arm having a proximal end coupled to the track for movement therealong, and a patient flatwall coupled to a distal end of the telescopic arm for rotational movement about a generally vertical axis.

Abstract: A patient support system for a wheelchair is provided. At least a portion of the patient support system components form a no-air-loss patient support surface. At least one fluid pump can supply air pressure to a plurality of no-air-loss air cells, and at least one pressure release valve can release air pressure from the no-air-loss air cells. A computer can compare air pressure within the air cells to a desired air pressure set point and can modulate the air pressure by actuating the at least one fluid pump and/or the at least one pressure release valve to bring the air pressure within the air cells to a desired air pressure. After the initial air pressure adjustments are made and the desired air pressure is achieved, no further adjustments during the operation are able to be made by the computer so that the patient positioned thereon the patient support system will not be moved by the patient support system during an operation.

Abstract: A patient support system for an operating room table is provided. At least a portion of the patient support system components form a no-air-loss patient support surface. At least one fluid pump can supply air pressure to a plurality of no-air-loss air cells, and at least one pressure release valve can release air pressure from the no-air-loss air cells. A computer can compare air pressure within the air cells to a desired air pressure set point and can modulate the air pressure by actuating the at least one fluid pump and/or the at least one pressure release valve to bring the air pressure within the air cells to a desired air pressure. After the initial air pressure adjustments are made and the desired air pressure is achieved, no further adjustments during the operation are able to be made by the computer so that the patient positioned thereon the patient support system will not be moved by the patient support system during an operation.

Abstract: A wheelchair includes a seating bottom portion, a chair back bottom support member supporting a chair back bottom member, and a chair knee bottom support member supporting a chair knee bottom member. A chair leg first bottom support member is bendably coupled to the chair knee bottom support member. The chair leg first bottom support member supports a chair leg first bottom member, a chair leg second bottom support member is bendably coupled to the chair leg first bottom support member, and the chair leg second bottom support member supports a chair leg second bottom member. A chair base portion bendably couples the chair back bottom support member and the chair knee bottom support member and supports a chair waist bottom member, a first link portion coupling the chair back bottom support member and the chair knee bottom support member, and a second link portion coupling the chair back bottom support member and the chair leg first bottom support member to each other.

Abstract: A surgery table utilizing first and second sections which are hingedly attached to one another. First and second sections are also connected to supports apart from the hinged portion. An elevator moves one of the sections upwardly and downwardly at the support. The resultant position of the frame formed by the first and second sections may take the configuration of a flat surface or an upwardly or downwardly oriented “vee”.

Abstract: A surgical table extension comprises a frame and a connector. The frame includes a surgical table connecting portion, a first connector, and a second connector. The connector enabler is movably coupled to the frame and is configured to selectively enable one of the first connector and the second connector to be removably coupled with a support device.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus for supporting a patient in a prone position during a surgical procedure is provided, including an open fixed frame suspended above a floor and a pair of spaced opposed radially sliding joints cooperating with the frame, each joint including a virtual pivot point and an arc of motion spaced from the virtual pivot point, the joints being movable along the arc providing a pivot ship mechanism for a pair of pelvic pads attached to the joints. A base for supporting and suspending a patient support structure above the floor, for supporting a patient during a surgical procedure, the base including a pair of spaced opposed vertical translation subassemblies reversibly attachable to a patient support structure, a cross-bar, and a rotation subassembly having two degrees of rotational freedom; wherein a location of each vertical translation subassembly is substantially constant during operation of the patient support structure.

Abstract: A hospital bed with bed leaving alarm function includes a bed frame unit, a plurality of support pads mounted on the bed frame unit to together form a bed surface, on which a patient lies, sits or leans; and a plurality of casters. At least one bed leaving sensing unit is provided on a middle section of the bed surface and connected to an external monitoring device. Each bed leaving sensing unit includes a substrate for correspondingly locking to a top of the support pads, and a plurality of sensors spaced on the substrate and electrically connected to the monitoring device. The bed leaving sensing unit provides pressure data to the monitoring device, and the monitoring device emits an alarm when the pressure data indicates the patient is not lying on the bed, so as to prevent the patient from leaving bed alone or carelessly falling off the hospital bed.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a surface and a pneumatic system cooperating to provide a microclimate system for reducing moisture at the interface of a patient and the surface. The patient support apparatus further includes a graphical user interface and control circuitry. The control circuitry is configured to adjust operation of the microclimate system in response to sensor outputs from sensors included in the microclimate system and caregiver inputs from the graphical user interface.

Abstract: In a device for controlling an operation of an anti-collision switch, the anti-collision switch is provided in a support close to a guide frame that is provided at at least one of both lateral sides of a table frame, to prevent collision of the table frame that is supported on the table support to be capable of moving in a lengthwise direction. The device includes a first lever coupled to the table support so that at least a portion of the first lever moves in a vertical direction according to deformation of the guide frame, and a second lever pressing the anti-collision switch in a normal state and, when a vertical movement of the first lever deviates from a preset height, being moved up by the first lever to remove pressing of the anti-collision switch and operate the anti-collision switch.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a frame and a siderail coupled to the frame for movement between raised and lowered positions. The patient support apparatus has a display screen that, in one embodiment, is coupled to the siderail and in another embodiment is coupled to the frame with a flexible arm. The display screen displays a first graphical user interface when the display screen is positioned at a first position and a second graphical user interface when the display screen is positioned at a second position.

Abstract: A specialty support surface for a variable width bed that can easily change its width from a wide bariatric mattress to a standard width so it can fit through a standard hospital door frame. The support surface can be placed on any bariatric bed frame that is designed to reduce its width to fit through a standard door. The support surface has the normal traverse air cells (used to reduce or relieve pressure). In addition, transverse air cells have independently controlled compartments on their ends. By inflating or deflating the controlled compartments, the length of the transverse air cells can be varied. These controllable compartments are controlled through an electronic controller by simply pressing a keypad on its touch panel. The electronic controller is used to control air pressure to the various compartments of the specialty support surface. The mattress replacement can be single or multi zone.

Abstract: A patient positioning system employs an arm having a first portion and a second portion which is telescopic relative to the first portion. A first positioning device may be coupled to the first portion of the arm providing support for the arm. The first positioning device is rotatable on a first axis, allowing the arm to rotate with the first positioning device. The second positioning device is coupled to the second portion of the arm and movable with the second portion of the arm relative to the first portion of the arm. The second positioning device is operable to rotate a patient support at least on a second axis.

Abstract: A medical bed for positioning the patient in the lithotomy position having a mattress pad including a flexible footrest section. The footrest section cascades over and down an end of the medical bed as the mattress pad is translated, or slid, toward the end thereof. The mattress pad is positioned atop the frame, and includes a backrest section, a medial section, and a footrest section. The mattress pad is translatable, or slidable, with respect to the frame. The footrest section includes a plurality of partitioned segments that are pivotable with respect to each other such that the footrest section cascades down and over the foot-end of the frame when the mattress pad is translated toward the foot-end of the bed.

Abstract: A central control braking system includes: a pedestal; at least one caster mounted at a bottom portion of the pedestal; a brake transmission shaft for controlling the caster; a plate girder movably connected to the pedestal; a pedal fixed to the plate girder; and a reversing rotary assembly connecting the plate girder and the brake transmission shaft, wherein the reversing rotary assembly enables the brake transmission shaft to rotate in reverse under the control of the pedal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an articulated bed which comprises a perimetric tubular frame, two mattress support portions articulated at the ends opposite to the respective ends of the frame, and articulated to one another at facing ends by means of a common rotating shaft; a geared motor assembled in the frame which rotationally operates a transverse shaft provided with at least one crank coupled by means of a connecting rod with the common shaft for the articulation of the two mattress support portions, transmitting a vertical oscillation to the common shaft and to the facing ends of the mattress support portions. In one embodiment variant it comprises a second geared motor which transmits an longitudinal alternating movement to the mattress support portions by means of a connecting rod-crank mechanism.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus for use in a healthcare facility has associated therewith a graphical user interface (GUI) that is operable to display information pertaining to features of the patient support apparatus and to display information pertaining to features of other patient support apparatuses. Under some circumstances, the GUI may also be used to control functions of some of the other patient support apparatuses. A bed data server is communicatively coupled to the patient support apparatus and to the other patient support apparatuses to control information flow to the GUI from the other patient support apparatuses.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a molded bed having a contoured sleeping surface surrounded by a liquid barrier. The sleeping surface having a plurality of channels formed therein terminating at a plurality of drains extending through the bed to direct loose liquid on the sleeping surface through a drain. The bed further comprising a means for attaching the bed to a floor and a tamper resistance glide assembly inserted in a foot on the bed, the glide comprising a floor engaging pad having a support shaft extending there from, a traveler on the support shaft. The traveler fixed in a glide pocket in the foot. The pad traversing axially in the glide pocket to orient the sleeping surface.

Abstract: An automated EP analysis apparatus for monitoring, detecting and identifying changes (adverse or recovering) to a physiological system generating the analyzed EPs, wherein the apparatus is adapted to characterize and classify EPs and create alerts of changes (adverse or recovering) to the physiological systems generating the EPs if the acquired EP waveforms change significantly in latency, amplitude or morphology.

Abstract: A patient table system for medical applications is provided. The table system comprises: a table top; at least one sensor configured to measure information representative of a pressure exerted by a patient on the table top when the patient is in a lying position; and a safety detector configured to compare the measured information with reference data of the table top mechanical resistance and to provide an alert depending on the result of the comparison.

Abstract: An apparatus for driving and supporting cradle includes a table base and a cradle movable on the table base. The cradle includes an intermediate cradle moveable relative to the table base and an upper cradle moveable relative to the intermediate cradle. The table base is coupled to the intermediate cradle using a first rack and gear structure, and the intermediate cradle is coupled to the upper cradle using a second rack and gear structure.

Abstract: An electric actuator system for hospital and care beds comprising at least one linear actuator (9,48) for adjusting the lying surface of the bed. The actuator (9,48) used for adjusting the backrest section (6,57) of the bed comprises means for registering the force which it is exposed to. By comparing the registered forces to a zero value and/or a force interval, it can be determined whether the person occupying the bed is in the process of leaving the bed or has already left the bed. A connected alarm can thus notify the staff that the bed-bound person is in the process of leaving the bed.

Abstract: A monitoring system for monitoring a patient in a patient-support apparatus includes a detector, a standard, and a controller. The detector detects electromagnetic radiation in a field. The standard conveys a predetermined electromagnetic signature to the detector. The controller monitors the electromagnetic radiation in the field and compares the electromagnetic radiation to the standard to determine the position of a patient supported on a patient-support apparatus positioned in the field.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes an electronic control system with client browser software running on a general purpose operating system that connects with a remote server via a high speed network connection. The browser and operating system allows the patient support apparatus to access and run programs not designed exclusively for patient support apparatus electronics systems. A general purpose microprocessor along with network converter circuitry allows the patient support to deliver messages in frames having intended recipient addresses. The microprocessor communicates with one or more graphical user interfaces and with a control system that controls actuators of the patient support. The control system may comprise networked nodes, such as CAN nodes for example. Isolation circuitry isolates the patient support from a network of a care facility with which it communicates.

Abstract: A patient support system includes a scale system, an air system, and a lift system. The patient support system also includes a control system configured to graphically communicate information about the scale system, the air system, and the lift system to a user.

Abstract: An adjustable mattress comprises a carrier and a foundation. The carrier has a bed surface, a bottom surface, and a plurality of first flexible members and second flexible members distributed in the carrier. One of the first flexible members and one of the second flexible members are encased in a flexible support unit. The bottom of the carrier is disposed on the foundation. The two bearing points in a stretchable direction of the first flexible member contact the bed surface and the bottom surface respectively, and one end of the second flexible member protrudes from or is concealed in the bottom surface of the carrier. The foundation has a moving plate and a lifting device. The moving plate can be lifted by the lifting device to an active position to support weights from the bed surface with the first flexible members.

Abstract: An occupant support comprises a frame (30), a deck comprising at least one deck section (20, 22, 24, 26) pivotably connected to the frame, and a lift system (60) for changing the angular orientation of the deck section in response to a noncyclical user input.

Abstract: Configurable user interface systems for a patient support structure are disclosed. As described a control interface comprises the capability to allow limited impact on processes deemed important when other applications and programs are run. The configurable user interface systems described herein allow for customized display of information and display options available to a user in various environments.

Abstract: A compact, lightweight, and sturdy gynecological exam device which can be placed on a bed or other appropriate surfaces for healthcare practitioners to perform examinations. This gynecological exam device is designed to be folded into a compact “box-like” design for easy storage or transportation. When folded, this gynecological exam device is compact enough to fit into a luggage, preferably a standard carry-on luggage with wheels for air travel to remote areas or in-home services. This gynecological exam device has folding and sliding panels, adjustable footrests/stirrups, and adjustable headrest built into various sections of the exam table. These panels can be unfolded or slid into wider sections to accommodate patients of different sizes, heights, and weights. Further, some of these panels are to be used to ensure stability when placed on a soft surface, such as, a mattress, for safety reasons.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring a supine patient to a prone position on a patient positioning support system, and for rotating such a prone patient between prone and supine positions without removing the patient from the patient positioning support system.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a frame and a transport assembly supporting the frame. The transport assembly is configured to selectively move relative to the frame between a transport position and a brake position. A portion of the frame frictionally engages a portion of the transport assembly in the brake position to affect a brake application that resists the transportation of the frame. The portion of the frame is disengaged from the portion of the transport assembly in the transport position to allow for transportation of the frame.

Abstract: A patient support surface including a cover defining an interior region, a layer of three dimensional material, located at the interior region, and an air circulation device disposed adjacent the layer of three dimensional material. The patient support surface includes at least one of a percussion device and a vibration device, located at the interior region.

Abstract: An adjustable bed comprises an occupant support having adjustable settings that include an elevation, a profile and an angular orientation. The bed also includes an interface for allowing desired values of the adjustable settings to be individually commanded. The bed also includes a single-action boost control for commanding a boost configuration comprising a boost elevation setting and a boost profile setting and a boost angular orientation setting. The bed also includes an adjustment system for adjusting the bed to the desired values of the adjustable settings in response to inputs to the interface and for adjusting the elevation, profile and angular orientation to the boost configuration settings in response to input applied to the single-action boost control.

Abstract: An equipment transfer device is provided that is transferable from one support to another support. The transport device is formed as a housing that has two spaced apart, generally parallel recesses, which form docking cups that are open to the bottom. Each docking cup is configured to receive a docking cone that is supported on a structure and is capable of moving in generally a vertical direction into engagement or out of engagement with their respective docking cups. A support post is also supported by the housing and protrudes from the upper end thereof as a base to which an equipment support structure is attached. In this manner the transfer device can be transferred from one docking cone to another with minimal handling and virtually no possibility of dislodgement.

Abstract: A user module for a patient support apparatus is provided. The user module has a user interface operably coupled thereto. The user interface includes an input device and an output device. The output device includes a visual display including textual and non-textual elements. The non-textual elements include enhanced, graphical, and animated portions relating to one or more operational features of the patient support or to a person positionable on the patient support. The input device includes one or more touch sensors corresponding to defined regions of the visual display.

Abstract: Patient support apparatuses, such as beds, cots, stretchers, recliners, operating tables, and the like include wireless mesh network transceivers that enable them to communicate with each other, and other devices, via mesh networks and/or ad hoc networks. One or more additional wireless transceivers are included, such as WiFi transceivers, that enable direct communication with a healthcare facility network, such as an Ethernet. The mesh network communication between patient support apparatuses and other devices is used for any one or more of: extending the communication range of the existing IT infrastructure, efficiently routing data to the healthcare facility network, determining location of the patient support apparatuses and devices, transporting patient data from one patient support to the next as the patient moves, and for other aspects.

Abstract: A bedding system uses machine vision to makes adjustments for comfort and/or support. In one aspect, a pressure mapping engine measures a two-dimensional pressure image of a sleeper on the bedding system while the sleeper is sleeping on the bedding system. A machine vision process analyzes the pressure image. A comfort and support engine adjusts a comfort and/or support of the bedding system based on the machine vision analysis.

Abstract: A control command is received via a touch screen from a user. The control command is directed to recalling a user-selected bed position of an adjustable bed. Recalling includes: identifying a row in a data table representing a user-selected bed position and retrieving an increment value from the row. The increment value specifies one of a range of available positions for the adjustable bed. A component of the adjustable bed is controlled to meet the increment value The component includes at least one of an actuator and a vibration motor.

Abstract: Improved instruments for modifying a shape of a proximal femur of a patient for installation of a stem of a femoral component of a prosthetic hip during hip replacement surgery, comprising a handle including an elongated shaft extending downward approximately in a z-direction, a first offset extending from a bottom of the elongated shaft approximately in a y-direction, a second offset extending from the second offset approximately in an x-direction, and a shaping member elongated downward from the second offset approximately in the z-direction. Provided is an improved femoral broach and an improved osteotome. Also provided is a method of improving a patient's positioning during hip replacement surgery by using a variable configuration mattress for positioning the patient.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a frame, a patient support surface supported in the frame, and a plurality of functional components associated with the patient support surface or the frame. The apparatus further includes a control system, with a controller, incorporated into the patient support surface or the frame and in operative communication with at least one of the functional components for controlling the component. The control system further includes a touch-screen in communication with the controller for controlling the functional component, which is positioned in the barrier around the patient support surface, and accessible at the exterior or interior surface of the barrier for access by a user. The touch-screen is configured to allow the user to select one or more of the functional components and control a parameter associated with the selected functional component.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to resilient side rails for medical tables. In some aspects, a side rail for a medical table includes an elongated body having a height and a width that are configured to be received by a medical accessory, and the elongated body is formed of a material having a modulus of elasticity that is about 50 gigapascals to about 150 gigapascals and a yield strength that is about 40×107 pascals to about 120×107 pascals.