Abstract: An interrogator, methods of discerning the presence of an object, and interrogation systems employing the same. In one embodiment, the interrogation systems include multiple interrogators that communicate with a base command unit to track a location of an object. In another embodiment wherein the object is an RFID object (e.g., an object with an RFID tag), the interrogators employ signal processing techniques such as precharging the RFID object, and correlating a reference code with a reply code from the RFID object using selected techniques to increase a sensitivity of the interrogator, especially for adverse environments. In other embodiments, the interrogation systems include variations of metal instruments and sponges employed therewith. In yet another embodiment, the interrogation system includes metal interrogators capable of discerning the presence of a metal object, especially in a presence of another metal object.

Abstract: An interrogator, methods of discerning the presence of an object, and interrogation systems employing the same. In one embodiment, the interrogation systems include multiple interrogators that communicate with a base command unit to track a location of an object. In another embodiment wherein the object is an RFID object (e.g., an object with an RFID tag), the interrogators employ signal processing techniques such as precharging the RFID object, and correlating a reference code with a reply code from the RFID object using selected techniques to increase a sensitivity of the interrogator, especially for adverse environments. In other embodiments, the interrogation systems include variations of metal instruments and sponges employed therewith. In yet another embodiment, the interrogation system includes metal interrogators capable of discerning the presence of a metal object, especially in a presence of another metal object.

Abstract: An interrogator, methods of discerning the presence of an object, and interrogation systems employing the same. In one embodiment, the interrogation systems include multiple interrogators that communicate with a base command unit to track a location of an object. In another embodiment wherein the object is an RFID object (e.g., an object with an RFID tag), the interrogators employ signal processing techniques such as precharging the RFID object, and correlating a reference code with a reply code from the RFID object using selected techniques to increase a sensitivity of the interrogator, especially for adverse environments. In other embodiments, the interrogation systems include variations of metal instruments and sponges employed therewith. In yet another embodiment, the interrogation system includes metal interrogators capable of discerning the presence of a metal object, especially in a presence of another metal object.

Abstract: An interrogator, methods of discerning the presence of an object, and interrogation systems employing the same. In one embodiment, the interrogation systems include multiple interrogators that communicate with a base command unit to track a location of an object. In another embodiment wherein the object is an RFID object (e.g., an object with an RFID tag), the interrogators employ signal processing techniques such as precharging the RFID object, and correlating a reference code with a reply code from the RFID object using selected techniques to increase a sensitivity of the interrogator, especially for adverse environments. In other embodiments, the interrogation systems include variations of metal instruments and sponges employed therewith. In yet another embodiment, the interrogation system includes metal interrogators capable of discerning the presence of a metal object, especially in a presence of another metal object.

Abstract: A patient-support apparatus includes a patient-support deck movable from a use position to a stowed position. The patient-support deck is configured to engage receivers of the patient-support apparatus to support the deck in a cantilevered configuration. The patient-support deck may be secured to the patient-support apparatus by a locking mechanism. A storage structure is configured to support the patient-support deck in a stowed position. The storage structure is configured to deflect under load to prevent damage to the storage structure or patient-support deck.

Abstract: An interrogator, methods of discerning the presence of an object, and interrogation systems employing the same. In one embodiment, the interrogation systems include multiple interrogators that communicate with a base command unit to track a location of an object. In another embodiment wherein the object is an RFID object (e.g., an object with an RFID tag), the interrogators employ signal processing techniques such as precharging the RFID object, and correlating a reference code with a reply code from the RFID object using selected techniques to increase a sensitivity of the interrogator, especially for adverse environments. In other embodiments, the interrogation systems include variations of metal instruments and sponges employed therewith. In yet another embodiment, the interrogation system includes metal interrogators capable of discerning the presence of a metal object, especially in a presence of another metal object.

Abstract: A bed includes a deck coupled to a frame (10) and having at least a head section which is pivotable relative to the frame. The bed also includes a head end barrier (5?) element along the head section and moveable with the head end section as the head section pivots relative to the frame. The bed also includes an auxiliary barrier element (5) extending footwardly of and overlapping the head end barrier element when both barrier elements are in a raised position.

Abstract: A patient support is connectable to an external power source. The patient support includes a bedframe supported on a floor, a plurality of wheels coupled to the bedframe, and a brake configured to prevent the bed from moving on the floor. The brake is moveable between a braked position and an unbraked position. The patient support also includes a controller configured to activate an alarm when the brake is moved to the unbraked position when the bed is connected to the external power source.

Abstract: An interrogator, methods of discerning the presence of an object, and interrogation systems employing the same. In one embodiment, the interrogation systems include multiple interrogators that communicate with a base command unit to track a location of an object. In another embodiment wherein the object is an RFID object (e.g., an object with an RFID tag), the interrogators employ signal processing techniques such as precharging the RFID object, and correlating a reference code with a reply code from the RIFD object using selected techniques to increase a sensitivity of the interrogator, especially for adverse environments. In other embodiments, the interrogation systems include variations of metal instruments and sponges employed therewith. In yet another embodiment, the interrogation system includes metal interrogators capable of discerning the presence of a metal object, especially in a presence of another metal object.

Abstract: A bed comprises a head end, a foot end, first and second sides and a deck which includes, a head section and a foot section. The head section is pivotable. Head end and foot end barriers (5?, 5) are positioned along one of the sides, and both barriers are adapted to move between raised and lowered positions. The head end barrier is moveable with the head section as the head section pivots. When both barriers are raised 1) the foot end barrier (5) extends footwardly beyond the head end barrier (5?), 2) a portion of the head end barrier and a portion of the foot end barrier overlap each other over a portion of their longitudinal extents at all pivoted positions of the head end barrier, and 3) the overlapped portion of the head end barrier is laterally between the deck and the overlapped portion of the foot end barrier.

Abstract: A patient-support apparatus includes a patient-support deck movable from a use position to a stowed position. The patient-support deck is configured to engage receivers of the patient-support apparatus to support the deck in a cantilevered configuration. The patient-support deck may be secured to the patient-support apparatus by a locking mechanism. A storage structure is configured to support the patient-support deck in a stowed position. The storage structure is configured to deflect under load to prevent damage to the storage structure or patient-support deck.

Abstract: A patient support is connectable to an external power source. The patient support includes a bedframe supported on a floor, a plurality of wheels coupled to the bedframe, and a brake configured to prevent the bed from moving on the floor. The brake is moveable between a braked position and an unbraked position. The patient support also includes a controller configured to activate an alarm when the brake is moved to the unbraked position when the bed is connected to the external power source.

Abstract: An interrogator, methods of discerning the presence of an object, and interrogation systems employing the same. In one embodiment, the interrogation systems include multiple interrogators that communicate with a base command unit to track a location of an object. In another embodiment wherein the object is an RFID object (e.g., an object with an RFID tag), the interrogators employ signal processing techniques such as precharging the RFID object, and correlating a reference code with a reply code from the RFID object using selected techniques to increase a sensitivity of the interrogator, especially for adverse environments. In other embodiments, the interrogation systems include variations of metal instruments and sponges employed therewith. In yet another embodiment, the interrogation system includes metal interrogators capable of discerning the presence of a metal object, especially in a presence of another metal object.

Abstract: A patient support is provided for supporting a patient. The patient support includes a bedframe and a wheel assembly. The wheel assembly includes a wheel pivotably coupled to the bedframe and a wheel position holder. The wheel position holder has a cam and a cam surface that includes recesses configured to cooperate with the cam to position the wheel.

Abstract: A patient-support apparatus includes a patient-support deck movable from a use position to a stowed position. The patient-support deck is configured to engage receivers of the patient-support apparatus to support the deck in a cantilevered configuration. The patient-support deck may be secured to the patient-support apparatus by a locking mechanism. A storage structure is configured to support the patient-support deck in a stowed position. The storage structure is configured to deflect under load to prevent damage to the storage structure or patient-support deck.

Abstract: An interrogator, methods of discerning the presence of an object, and interrogation systems employing the same. In one embodiment, the interrogation systems include multiple interrogators that communicate with a base command unit to track a location of an object. In another embodiment wherein the object is an RFID object (e.g., an object with an RFID tag), the interrogators employ signal processing techniques such as precharging the RFID object, and correlating a reference code with a reply code from the RFID object using selected techniques to increase a sensitivity of the interrogator, especially for adverse environments. In other embodiments, the interrogation systems include variations of metal instruments and sponges employed therewith. In yet another embodiment, the interrogation system includes metal interrogators capable of discerning the presence of a metal object, especially in a presence of another metal object.

Abstract: A bed includes a deck coupled to a frame (10) and having at least a head section which is pivotable relative to the frame. The bed also includes a head end barrier (5?) element along the head section and moveable with the head end section as the head section pivots relative to the frame. The bed also includes an auxiliary barrier element (5) extending footwardly of and overlapping the head end barrier element when both barrier elements are in a raised position.

Abstract: A bed comprises a head end, a foot end, first and second sides and a deck which includes, a head section and a foot section. The head section is pivotable. Head end and foot end barriers (5?, 5) are positioned along one of the sides, and both barriers are adapted to move between raised and lowered positions. The head end barrier is moveable with the head section as the head section pivots. When both barriers are raised 1) the foot end barrier (5) extends footwardly beyond the head end barrier (5?), 2) a portion of the head end barrier and a portion of the foot end barrier overlap each other over a portion of their longitudinal extents at all pivoted positions of the head end barrier, and 3) the overlapped portion of the head end barrier is laterally between the deck and the overlapped portion of the foot end barrier.

Abstract: A bed includes an articulating deck affixed to a frame. The bed has at least a head end section and a foot end section. The head end section is pivotable relative to the frame. The bed also includes a head end barrier element 5? laterally alongside the head end section and co-pivotable therewith. The bed also includes an auxiliary barrier element 5 longitudinally adjacent the head end barrier element. The auxiliary barrier element is nonrotational relative to the frame during movement of one or more of the head end and foot end sections.

Abstract: A patient support is provided for supporting a patient. The patient support includes a bedframe and a wheel assembly. The wheel assembly includes a wheel pivotably coupled to the bedframe and a wheel position holder. The wheel position holder has a cam and a cam surface that includes recesses configured to cooperate with the cam to position the wheel.