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. Patient support includes a frame, a deck, a mattress and siderails. The deck includes a panel having apertures that receive upside down U-shaped wire loops therein to removably couple the panel to the frame. Top portions of the wire loops extend above the panel and serve as restraint strap holders.

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: A patient support is provided for supporting a patient. Patient support includes a frame, a deck, a mattress and siderails. The deck includes a panel having apertures that receive upside down U-shaped wire loops therein to removably couple the panel to the frame. Top portions of the wire loops extend above the panel and serve as restraint strap holders.

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 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 (10) is provided for supporting a patient. Patient support (10) includes a frame (12), a deck (16), a mattress (18) and siderails (24 and 26).

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: 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: 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: The present invention relates to a bed, in particular a hospital bed, fitted with a plurality of adjacent individual barrier elements along at least one of its longitudinal sides, the barrier elements extending vertically and each occupying a fraction of the length of the bed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bed, in particular a hospital bed, fitted with a plurality of adjacent individual barrier elements along at least one of its longitudinal sides, the barrier elements extending vertically and each occupying a fraction of the length of the bed.

Abstract: A bed siderail for a bed having a frame includes a flexible section to allow a portion of the siderail to flex upward.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bed, in particular a hospital bed, fitted with a plurality of adjacent individual barrier elements along at least one of its longitudinal sides, the barrier elements extending vertically and each occupying a fraction of the length of the bed. It is essentially characterized by the fact that there are at least two of said barrier elements (5, 5?) and they are hinged relative to each other about an axis (XX?) that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bed so that in an overlapping position they are contiguous relative to each other and occupy, transversely, substantially the same space as a single element, whereas in the deployed position, they extend in parallel and substantially in line with each other.

Abstract: A waterproof cover is attached to a portion of a hospital bed and is configured to seal an opening formed in the portion of the hospital bed against water penetration. The cover is also configured so that the sound waves are audible through the cover.

Abstract: A bed assembly includes a base, a frame supported by the base, a deck supported by the frame, and a unit received in an opening formed in an upwardly-facing top surface of the deck so that the unit is accessible from the top side of the deck.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bed, in particular a hospital bed, fitted with a plurality of adjacent individual barrier elements along at least one of its longitudinal sides, the barrier elements extending vertically and each occupying a fraction of the length of the bed. It is essentially characterized by the fact that there are at least two of said barrier elements (5, 5′) and they are hinged relative to each other about an axis (XX′) that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bed so that in an overlapping position they are contiguous relative to each other and occupy, transversely, substantially the same space as a single element, whereas in the deployed position, they extend in parallel and substantially in line with each other.

Abstract: A bed siderail for a bed having a frame includes a flexible section to allow a portion of the siderail to flex upward.

Abstract: A waterproof cover is coupled to a surface of a housing coupled to a bed. The cover is configured to seal an opening formed in the housing against water penetration. The cover is also configured so that the sound waves are audible through the cover.