Abstract: Patient support apparatuses include a frame, support surface, and a controller. The controller provides notification to a user of a service event relating to the patient support apparatus. The controller limits functionality of a component of the patient support apparatus based upon a severity of the service event. The controller may also, or alternatively, detect when a control is activated by a user and, in response to such activation, determine whether the patient support apparatus has been marked for use or marked for servicing. If marked for use, the controller responds in a first manner, and if marked for service, the controller responds in a different manner. In other embodiments, a method is provided for determining an order in which multiple patient support apparatuses should be service. In still other embodiments, the patient support apparatus automatically changes to an unusable configuration when in need of high priority service.

Abstract: A person support apparatus includes a first transceiver adapted to wirelessly communicate with a second transceiver of a headwall interface that is positioned off of the person support apparatus. A communication link is automatically established between the first and second transceivers without requiring a user of the person support apparatus to activate a designated control and without requiring the user to identify the headwall interface. The first transceiver includes a unique identifier assigned to the headwall interface in its messages to the headwall interface. The first transceiver may also automatically transmit a disconnect signal to the headwall interface indicating the termination of the communication link is not accidental. The disconnect signal is sent based on one or more of the following: (1) a brake being off, (2) an A/C power cord being unplugged; and/or (3) a signal strength between the transceivers decreasing.

Abstract: A stationary communication unit is adapted to be mounted to a headwall of a healthcare facility and forward messages between a patient support apparatus and a nurse call system. The unit includes first and second transceivers. The first transceiver may use two different communication protocols and forward audio signals from a nurse call system to the patient support apparatus (and vice versa) using a first one of the communication protocols, and emit a beacon signal using the second communication protocol. The beacon signal is adapted to be detected by electronic devices positioned in the room. The second transceiver sends a first identifier to the patient support apparatus and the first transceiver sends a second identifier to any electronic devices positioned in the room. The communication unit may also forward sensor readings to the patient support apparatus and/or to a hospital network, either directly or via a mesh network.

Abstract: A person support apparatus includes a first transceiver adapted to wirelessly communicate with a second transceiver of a headwall interface that is positioned off of the person support apparatus. A communication link is automatically established between the first and second transceivers without requiring a user of the person support apparatus to activate a designated control and without requiring the user to identify the headwall interface. The first transceiver includes a unique identifier assigned to the headwall interface in its messages to the headwall interface. The first transceiver may also automatically transmit a disconnect signal to the headwall interface indicating the termination of the communication link is not accidental. The disconnect signal is sent based on one or more of the following: (1) a brake being off, (2) an A/C power cord being unplugged; and/or (3) a signal strength between the transceivers decreasing.

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 patient support system for providing customized user menus. The system comprises a patient support apparatus, a user interface configured to receive input from a user, and a display configured to display user menus or information. The user menus may comprise indicia representative of the operational functions of the patient support apparatus. A controller determines the customized user menu based on usage characteristics, a position of the user interface in proximity to the patient support apparatus, a location of the user interface within a facility, an identification of the user, and/or a patient condition. A touchscreen and/or a mobile device may comprise the user interface and the display. The mobile device may be removably coupled to the patient support apparatus. Methods for improving patient care by providing the customized user menu are also disclosed.

Abstract: A person support apparatus includes a base, a controller, and a barrier having at least one electrical device. The base includes mounting structures for releasably mounting the barrier to the base. A first electrical connector is in communication with the at least one electrical device and mounted to the barrier. A second electrical connector is in communication with the controller and mounted at one of the mounting structures for connection with the first electrical connector when the barrier is mounted to the base at the mounting structures.

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 patient support apparatus comprising a patient support deck operatively attached to a base with a deck section arranged for movement between first and second positions determined by a deck sensor. A first user interface comprises a screen configured to display visual content including a content portion having first and second content states. A second user interface comprises an access panel including a panel portion with a light module having first and second illumination states. A controller is configured to display the content portion in the first content state and to control the light module in the first illumination state when the deck sensor determines the deck section is in the first section position, and to display the content portion on the screen in the second content state and to control the light module in the second illumination state when the deck section is in the second position.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus comprising a patient support deck operatively attached to a base with a lift mechanism interposed between the base and the patient support deck to move the patient support deck between first and second vertical configurations relative to the base. A user interface configured to operate the patient support apparatus is provided and comprises a screen configured to display visual content in first and second content layouts. The screen is coupled to the patient support deck for concurrent movement between the vertical configurations A controller disposed in communication with the screen and the lift mechanism is configured to display the visual content in the first content layout when the patient support deck is in the first vertical configuration, and further configured to display the visual content in the second interface layout when the patient support deck is in the second vertical configuration.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus comprising a patient support deck operatively attached to a base with a deck section arranged for movement between first and second positions determined by a deck sensor. A first user interface comprises a screen configured to display visual content including a content portion having first and second content states. A second user interface comprises an access panel including a panel portion with a light module having first and second illumination states. A controller is configured to display the content portion in the first content state and to control the light module in the first illumination state when the deck sensor determines the deck section is in the first section position, and to display the content portion on the screen in the second content state and to control the light module in the second illumination state when the deck section is in the second position.

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 patient support system for providing improved guidance tools with respect to a patient support apparatus. A user interface is configured to receive inputs from a user, and an information output device is configured to provide instructions to the user. The user interface and the information output device may be on a touchscreen display. The user inputs may include a search query. A controller may be adapted to determine search results corresponding to operational functions of the patient support apparatus responsive to the search query and to provide said search results to the user with the information output device. The user input may include shorthand commands corresponding to operational functions of the patient support apparatus. The user interface may include a voice actuation device configured to receive voice actuation commands from a user.

Abstract: Patient support apparatuses include a frame, support surface, and a controller. The controller provides notification to a user of a service event relating to the patient support apparatus. The controller limits functionality of a component of the patient support apparatus based upon a severity of the service event. The controller may also, or alternatively, detect when a control is activated by a user and, in response to such activation, determine whether the patient support apparatus has been marked for use or marked for servicing. If marked for use, the controller responds in a first manner, and if marked for service, the controller responds in a different manner. In other embodiments, a method is provided for determining an order in which multiple patient support apparatuses should be service. In still other embodiments, the patient support apparatus automatically changes to an unusable configuration when in need of high priority service.

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: A patient support system for providing customized user menus. The system comprises a patient support apparatus, a user interface configured to receive input from a user, and a display configured to display user menus or information. The user menus may comprise indicia representative of the operational functions of the patient support apparatus. A controller determines the customized user menu based on usage characteristics, a position of the user interface in proximity to the patient support apparatus, a location of the user interface within a facility, an identification of the user, and/or a patient condition. A touchscreen and/or a mobile device may comprise the user interface and the display. The mobile device may be removably coupled to the patient support apparatus. Methods for improving patient care by providing the customized user menu are also disclosed.

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: A patient support system for providing improved guidance tools with respect to a patient support apparatus. A user interface is configured to receive inputs from a user, and an information output device is configured to provide instructions to the user. The user interface and the information output device may be embodiment on a touchscreen display. The user inputs may include a search query. A controller may be adapted to determine search results corresponding to operational functions of the patient support apparatus responsive to the search query and to provide said search results to the user with the information output device. The user input may include shorthand commands corresponding to operational functions of the patient support apparatus. The user interface may include a voice actuation device configured to receive voice actuation commands from a user.

Abstract: Patient support apparatuses include a frame, support surface, and a controller. The controller provides notification to a user of a service event relating to the patient support apparatus. The controller limits functionality of a component of the patient support apparatus based upon a severity of the service event. The controller may also, or alternatively, detect when a control is activated by a user and, in response to such activation, determine whether the patient support apparatus has been marked for use or marked for servicing. If marked for use, the controller responds in a first manner, and if marked for service, the controller responds in a different manner. In other embodiments, a method is provided for determining an order in which multiple patient support apparatuses should be service. In still other embodiments, the patient support apparatus automatically changes to an unusable configuration when in need of high priority service.