Abstract: A patient support apparatus comprising: a frame; a patient receiving surface supported on the frame, the patient supporting surface comprising a central panel section and a side panel section adapted to selectively extend towards to and away from the central panel section for adjusting a width of the patient supporting surface; a board supported on the frame, the board comprising a base comprising a sleeve and an extension member slidably received in the sleeve and a coil spring mounted to the extension member. The extension member is extendable laterally towards to and away from the sleeve for adjusting a width of the base and the coil spring is adapted to counteract an external force applied to the outer end of the extension member. The board comprises a vertical panel that is movable to follow movement of the extension member laterally towards and away from the sleeve.

Abstract: Methods and systems for connecting a patient support apparatus to a hospital network and locating the patient support apparatus are provided. A patient support apparatus is associated with a communication device having a first and second communication interface for transmitting and/or receiving a first and second type of wireless signal. The patient support apparatus is electrically connected to a node serving as a power output and a wireless communication system connected to the hospital network. In response to the electrical connection, the communication device activates the first communication interface to form a wireless link with the node. In response to the patient support apparatus being electrically disconnected from the node, the communication device activates the second communication interface. The patient support apparatus is located by the node based on the second type of wireless signal.

Abstract: An adjusting system for adjusting a configuration of a bed, the bed comprising a central frame and a side panel movable relative to the central frame, is disclosed. In one embodiment, the adjusting system is provided with a clutch assembly. In another embodiment, the adjusting system is provided with a telescopic handle assembly.

Abstract: A hospital bed comprising: a frame, a patient receiving surface supported on the frame, the patient supporting surface including: at least one body support panel, each body support panel including a central panel section and at least one lateral panel section adapted to selectively extend towards and away from the central panel section for adjusting a width of the patient supporting surface, at least one resilient element disposed between the at least one lateral panel section and the central panel section for damping movement of the lateral panel section relative to the central panel section.

Abstract: A patient support for supporting a patient includes an inflatable mattress having at least one bladder forming at least part of a patient support surface, a pneumatic system for inflating the inflatable mattress, and a control system. The control system including at least one sensor, which includes an emitter and a receiver, with the emitter directing light into the bladder. The receiver receives a reflection from the light directed into the bladder, and the control system detects the immersion of a patient into the mattress based on the reflection received by the receiver.

Abstract: A patient support for supporting a patient includes an inflatable mattress defining a support surface and a pneumatic system for inflating the inflatable mattress. The pneumatic system includes a pressurized reservoir for holding pressurized air and selectively releases pressurized air from the reservoir to the mattress.

Abstract: A patient support for a patient includes a mattress with at least one air operated component and a cushioning layer forming a patient support surface. The mattress has a recessed portion beneath the patient support surface at the foot end of the mattress with an enclosure housed in the recess. The enclosure houses therein at least one pump for directing air to the air operated component and a controller for operating the pump. The enclosure has a central section and two side sections, with each of the sections having an upper side. The side sections are located on opposed sides of the central section and at opposed sides of the mattress at the foot end. The upper side of the central section is recessed below the upper sides of the side sections wherein the depth of the cushioning layer at the foot end between the side sections is maintained generally constant at least along the central portion of the mattress extending from the head end to the foot end.

Abstract: A patient support for supporting a patient includes an inflatable mattress having at least one bladder forming at least part of a patient support surface, a pneumatic system for inflating the inflatable mattress, and a control system. The control system including at least one sensor, which includes an emitter and a receiver, with the emitter directing light into the bladder. The receiver receives a reflection from the light directed into the bladder, and the control system detects the immersion of a patient into the mattress based on the reflection received by the receiver.

Abstract: A patient support for a patient includes an inflatable mattress with at least one inflatable bladder. The bladder comprises a top panel formed from a different material than its side wall panel or panels.

Abstract: A patient support for a patient includes an inflatable mattress with at least one inflatable bladder. The bladder comprises a top panel formed from a different material than its side wall panel or panels.

Abstract: A patient support for supporting a patient includes an inflatable mattress having at least one bladder forming at least part of a patient support surface, a pneumatic system for inflating the inflatable mattress, and a control system. The control system including at least one sensor, which includes an emitter and a receiver, with the emitter directing light into the bladder. The receiver receives a reflection from the light directed into the bladder, and the control system detects the immersion of a patient into the mattress based on the reflection received by the receiver.

Abstract: A patient support for supporting a patient includes an inflatable mattress defining a support surface and a pneumatic system for inflating the inflatable mattress. The pneumatic system includes a pressurized reservoir for holding pressurized air and selectively releases pressurized air from the reservoir to the mattress.