Abstract: Methods and apparatus for transferring patients are provided. A patient transfer device may have a wheeled base and a lateral transfer structure. A patient may lie supine on a patient support structure on top of a transfer sheet. Airbags may be adjusted beneath the transfer sheet to form channels. To transfer the patient from the patient support structure to the wheeled base, the lateral transfer structure is extended into the channels beneath the patient. A stretcher frame is formed from the extended lateral transfer structure. A stretcher that supports the patient is formed by attaching the transfer sheet to the stretcher frame. After the stretcher has been formed, the extended portions of the lateral transfer structure may be retracted to move the stretcher and patient on top of the wheeled base. The patient transfer device may be adjusted to allow the patient to assume a sitting position during transit.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for transferring patients are provided. A patient transfer device may have a wheeled base and a lateral transfer structure. A patient may lie supine on a patient support structure on top of a transfer sheet. Airbags may be adjusted beneath the transfer sheet to form channels. To transfer the patient from the patient support structure to the wheeled base, the lateral transfer structure is extended into the channels beneath the patient. A stretcher frame is formed from the extended lateral transfer structure. A stretcher that supports the patient is formed by attaching the transfer sheet to the stretcher frame. After the stretcher has been formed, the extended portions of the lateral transfer structure may be retracted to move the stretcher and patient on top of the wheeled base. The patient transfer device may be adjusted to allow the patient to assume a sitting position during transit.

Abstract: A method for predicting the failure of a hard disk drive within a computer system and replacing the hard disk drive prior to an in-service failure of the disk drive. The method includes the steps of: establishing a maximum linear growth rate for the grown defect list (G-List) for the disk drive, e.g., 0.01% of the disk drive's capacity divided by the disk drive's expected service life of five years; periodically determining the number of entries contained in the grown defect list; and calculating the actual linear growth rate of the grown defect list from the number of entries contained in the grown defect list and the length of time the disk drive has been in service. Should the actual linear growth rate of the G-List exceed the maximum linear growth rate for two successive measurement periods, the disk drive will be replaced.