Abstract: A patient transfer apparatus configured to traverse stairs includes a seat assembly, a rear leg pivotably coupled to the seat assembly, a track integrated with the rear leg, and a wheel coupled to a distal end portion of the rear leg. The seat assembly includes a frame with a seat portion. The rear leg is pivotable relative to the seat portion between a transport position and a stair traversing position. In the transport position the wheel is configured to contact a floor, and in the stair traversing position the track is configured to contact the stairs.

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: 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: A patient support apparatus for patients. The patient support apparatus comprises a base and a litter supported by the base. The patient support apparatus also comprises powered devices that perform one or more predetermined functions on the patient support apparatus. A user interface is employed to control the powered devices. The user interface is designed to enable caregivers to cause operation of the powered devices with fewer buttons, while retaining functionality in using powered devices.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus for patients. The patient support apparatus comprises a base and a litter supported by the base. The patient support apparatus also comprises powered devices that perform one or more predetermined functions on the patient support apparatus. A user interface is employed to control the powered devices. The user interface is designed to enable caregivers to cause operation of the powered devices with fewer buttons, while retaining functionality in using powered devices.

Abstract: A patient transfer apparatus configured to traverse stairs includes a seat assembly, a rear leg pivotably coupled to the seat assembly, a track integrated with the rear leg, and a wheel coupled to a distal end portion of the rear leg. The seat assembly includes a frame with a seat portion. The rear leg is pivotable relative to the seat portion between a transport position and a stair traversing position. In the transport position the wheel is configured to contact a floor, and in the stair traversing position the track is configured to contact the stairs.

Abstract: A patient transfer apparatus configured to traverse stairs includes a seat assembly, a rear leg pivotably coupled to the seat assembly, a track integrated with the rear leg, and a wheel coupled to a distal end portion of the rear leg. The seat assembly includes a frame with a seat portion. The rear leg is pivotable relative to the seat portion between a transport position and a stair traversing position. In the transport position the wheel is configured to contact a floor, and in the stair traversing position the track is configured to contact the stairs.

Abstract: A detection system for patient therapy devices is provided. A controller is coupled to the detection system. The controller determines a desired operational parameter based on the type of patient therapy device detected.

Abstract: A brushless DC motor system includes a brushless DC motor having phases and a controller in communication with the motor for operating the motor in accordance with a commutation table. The controller further has nodes. The system further includes phase wires electrically coupling the motor and the controller at the nodes to form wire-to-node connections for establishing electrical communication paths between the motor and controller along each phase wire. Each phase wire corresponds to one phase of the motor. The controller is programmed to, in response to a user-selected configuration of the wire-to-node connections, generate the commutation table.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus for patients. The patient support apparatus comprises a base and a litter supported by the base. The patient support apparatus also comprises powered devices that perform one or more predetermined functions on the patient support apparatus. A user interface is employed to control the powered devices. The user interface is designed to enable caregivers to cause operation of the powered devices with fewer buttons, while retaining functionality in using powered devices.

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: 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: An access system for managing users engaged in providing care to patients. A patient support apparatus is provided and comprises a frame, a patient support surface configured to support the patient, and a powered device having a function. An input system is disposed in communication with the powered device and is configured to receive input data. A user control system is disposed in communication with the input system and comprises an authorization module. The authorization module is configured to access a permission level for a user dictating whether the user has permission to operate the powered device with the input system to perform the function. The authorization module is further configured to determine performance data relating to performance of the user in caring for the patient based on the input data, and to modify the permission level based on the performance data.

Abstract: A patient transfer apparatus includes a seat assembly, a track assembly coupled to the seat assembly and including a track configured to engage the stairs in a stair traversing position, and front wheels coupled to the seat assembly for engagement with a floor in a transport position. The seat assembly includes a frame and a seat for supporting a patient. A front end of the track assembly is adjacent the front wheels without interfering with movement of the wheels in the transport position.

Abstract: A patient transfer apparatus is provided and includes a frame, a seat assembly coupled to the frame, and a track assembly coupled to the frame. The track assembly includes a moveable track for traversing stairs and a motor configured to drive the track. The apparatus further includes a control system. The control system includes a controller configured to control the motor and to adjust a speed of the apparatus based on at least one of an occupancy of the seat assembly upon traversing the stairs and a condition of the stairs.

Abstract: A detection system for patient therapy devices is provided. A controller is coupled to the detection system. The controller determines a desired operational parameter based on the type of patient therapy device detected.

Abstract: Provided herein are approaches for controlling an ion beam within an accelerator/decelerator. In an exemplary approach, an ion implantation system includes an ion source for generating an ion beam, and a terminal suppression electrode coupled to a terminal, wherein the terminal suppression electrode is configured to conduct the ion beam through an aperture of the terminal suppression electrode and to apply a first potential to the ion beam from a first voltage supply. The system further includes a lens coupled to the terminal and disposed adjacent the terminal suppression electrode, wherein the lens is configured to conduct the ion beam through an aperture of the lens and to apply a second potential to the ion beam from a second voltage supply. In an exemplary approach, the lens is electrically insulated from the terminal suppression electrode and independently driven, thus allowing for an increased beam current operation range.

Abstract: Provided herein are approaches for controlling an ion beam within an accelerator/decelerator. In an exemplary approach, an ion implantation system includes an ion source for generating an ion beam, and a terminal suppression electrode coupled to a terminal, wherein the terminal suppression electrode is configured to conduct the ion beam through an aperture of the terminal suppression electrode and to apply a first potential to the ion beam from a first voltage supply. The system further includes a lens coupled to the terminal and disposed adjacent the terminal suppression electrode, wherein the lens is configured to conduct the ion beam through an aperture of the lens and to apply a second potential to the ion beam from a second voltage supply. In an exemplary approach, the lens is electrically insulated from the terminal suppression electrode and independently driven, thus allowing for an increased beam current operation range.

Abstract: An induction heating system comprises inductive rings, which in one example are concentrically wound about a center axis to form a coil array. The inductive rings are situated in the coil array to permit activation of the inductive rings independent of the other inductive rings in the coil array. In one embodiment, the induction heating system includes a control structure with a power supply and switches coupled to each of the inductive rings, wherein activation of the switches permits current from the power supply to flow to the corresponding inductive ring. The induction heating system is amenable to appliances such as ovens and ranges, as well as to cooktops such as free-standing cooktops for countertops.

Abstract: An ignition control system for an appliance is disclosed. The appliance includes a gas burner, a user actuable valve for controlling a flow of fuel to the burner and an electrical resistance igniter for igniting fuel at the burner. The system includes a user actuable control interface having an off state and an on state, coupled to the valve operative to control the valve and provide a control signal indicative of the state of the control interface. The system also includes a controller having a timer circuit responsive to the control signal and a boost circuit coupled to the timer circuit. The timer circuit selectively activates the boost circuit for a predetermined period of time. A first DC power supply is selectively coupled to the igniter to provide power to the igniter through the boost circuit. A second DC power supply is coupled to the igniter and control interface.