Abstract: A power transfer system comprises a patient support apparatus and a power transfer device. The power transfer system provides convenience and ease of connection between a power source and the patient support apparatus to provide power to one or more electrically powered devices on the patient support apparatus or to provide energy for an energy storage device on the patient support apparatus.

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 system is provided that comprises a patient support apparatus and a unit being independent from the patient support apparatus. The patient support apparatus comprises a support structure having a base and a patient support surface for a patient. The patient support apparatus also comprises an electrical distribution system, one or more electrical devices, and an energy storage device (ESD) configured to store energy to power the one or more electrical devices through the electrical distribution system. The unit is configured to autonomously interact with the patient support apparatus to remove the ESD from the patient support apparatus and/or to place a replacement ESD on to the patient support apparatus.

Abstract: A system is provided that comprises a patient support apparatus and a unit being independent from the patient support apparatus. The patient support apparatus comprises a support structure having a base and a patient support surface for a patient. The patient support apparatus also comprises an electrical distribution system, one or more electrical devices, and an energy storage device (ESD) configured to store energy to power the one or more electrical devices through the electrical distribution system. The unit is configured to autonomously interact with the patient support apparatus to remove the ESD from the patient support apparatus and/or to place a replacement ESD on to the patient support apparatus.

Abstract: A power transfer system comprises a patient support apparatus and a power transfer device. The power transfer system provides convenience and ease of connection between a power source and the patient support apparatus to provide power to one or more electrically powered devices on the patient support apparatus or to provide energy for an energy storage device on the patient support apparatus.

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: A power transfer system comprises a patient transport apparatus and a power transfer device. The power transfer system provides convenience and ease of connection between a power source and the patient transport apparatus to provide power to one or more electrically powered devices on the patient transport apparatus or to provide energy for an energy storage device on the patient transport apparatus.

Abstract: A power transfer system comprises a patient transport apparatus and a power transfer device. The power transfer system provides convenience and ease of connection between a power source and the patient transport apparatus to provide power to one or more electrically powered devices on the patient transport apparatus or to provide energy for an energy storage device on the patient transport apparatus.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus including a support deck with a support surface and a deck section configured to move between a first position and a second position, a barrier to limit egress from the support surface operatively attached to the deck section for concurrent movement, and a user interface coupled to the barrier and configured to receive input from a user. The user interface includes a screen to display visual content to the user, and an input device to generate an input signal in response to receiving user input. An orientation sensor determines an orientation of the screen based on movement of the deck section between the first position and the second position. A controller is configured to perform a function in response to receiving the input signal, and maintain a predetermined orientation of the visual content displayed on the screen as the screen moves with the deck section.

Abstract: Energy harvesting and propulsion assistance techniques for a patient support apparatus are provided. The patient support apparatus comprises a base, a patient support surface supported by the base, and a powered device (e.g., propulsion device). An energy harvest and release system includes a harvesting device for harvesting energy, a storage device for storing and releasing the harvested energy, and a controller coupled to the harvesting device, the storage device, and the powered device. The controller is automated to selectively instruct the harvesting device to harvest energy and to selectively instruct release of the harvested energy from the storage device for consumption by the powered device (e.g., to assist in movement of the patient support apparatus).

Abstract: A patient support apparatus comprising a patient support deck, a touchscreen, and a controller. The patient support deck comprises a patient support surface. The touchscreen comprises a screen, an input surface arranged adjacent to the screen, and a touch sensor configured to generate an electric field within an envelope defined adjacent to the input surface to sense conductive objects interacting with the electric field. The touch sensor is operable at a first sensitivity level to detect conductive objects approaching the input surface, and a second sensitivity level to detect conductive objects engaging the input surface. The controller is in communication with the touchscreen to operate the touch sensor at the first sensitivity level during an absence of conductive objects interacting with the electric field, and to operate the touch sensor at the second sensitivity level in response to conductive objects interacting with the electric field within the envelope.

Abstract: Systems, methods and techniques for operating a patient support apparatus are disclosed. The patient support apparatus includes a support structure including a base and a patient support surface to support a patient. The patient support apparatus also includes an actuator coupled to the support structure and operable to move the patient support surface. The actuator is configured to receive an applied voltage and an applied electrical current, and to produce an output power, where the applied electrical current varies based on different loads applied to the actuator. A controller is coupled to the actuator to determine a desired output power of the actuator and to control the actuator such that the output power produced by the actuator is controlled relative to the desired output power by modifying the applied voltage to compensate for the different loads being applied to the actuator.

Abstract: A power transfer system comprises a patient transport apparatus and a power transfer device. The power transfer system provides convenience and ease of connection between a power source and the patient transport apparatus to provide power to one or more electrically powered devices on the patient transport apparatus or to provide energy for an energy storage device on the patient transport apparatus.

Abstract: Techniques for a patient support apparatus are provided to assist in transferring power/data to an external electronic device, such as a smartphone. The patient support apparatus comprises a support structure, a power supply and a portable charging device. The charging device comprises an energy storage unit and a receiving element coupled to the energy storage unit. The receiving element is configured to wirelessly receive power. A receptacle is coupled to the support structure and comprises a surface including a sending element being coupled to the power supply. The surface is configured to receive the charging device. The charging device is removable from the surface. The sending element is configured to wirelessly transfer power to the receiving element of the charging device such that the energy storage unit of the charging device stores the transferred power for charging an external electronic device.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus comprises a base and a support structure coupled to the base and being configured to support a patient. The apparatus also comprises a panel having a surface and being physically adapted to vibrate at one or more frequencies, a controller configured to generate an electrical signal, and a vibrational exciter. The vibrational exciter comprises a surface coupled to the surface of the panel and being configured to receive the electrical signal from the controller and to convert the electrical signal into vibrational energy. The surface of the vibrational exciter is configured to transfer the vibrational energy to the surface of the panel to vibrate the panel at the one or more frequencies.

Abstract: Systems, methods and techniques for operating a patient support apparatus are disclosed. The patient support apparatus includes a support structure including a base and a patient support surface to support a patient. The patient support apparatus also includes an actuator coupled to the support structure and operable to move the patient support surface. The actuator is configured to receive an applied voltage and an applied electrical current, and to produce an output power, where the applied electrical current varies based on different loads applied to the actuator. A controller is coupled to the actuator to determine a desired output power of the actuator and to control the actuator such that the output power produced by the actuator is controlled relative to the desired output power by modifying the applied voltage to compensate for the different loads being applied to the actuator.

Abstract: A patient support system comprises a patient support apparatus for patients. The patient support apparatus comprises a base and a patient support surface supported by the base. The patient support apparatus also comprises powered devices that perform one or more predetermined functions on the patient support apparatus. Multiple input devices are employed to control the powered devices. The input devices are designed to enable caregivers to cause operation of the powered devices, as needed, while freeing the caregivers to perform other tasks.

Abstract: Techniques for a patient support apparatus are provided to assist in transferring power/data to an external electronic device, such as a smartphone. The patient support apparatus comprises a support structure, a power supply and a portable charging device. The charging device comprises an energy storage unit and a receiving element coupled to the energy storage unit. The receiving element is configured to wirelessly receive power. A receptacle is coupled to the support structure and comprises a surface including a sending element being coupled to the power supply. The surface is configured to receive the charging device. The charging device is removable from the surface. The sending element is configured to wirelessly transfer power to the receiving element of the charging device such that the energy storage unit of the charging device stores the transferred power for charging an external electronic device.

Abstract: A power transfer system comprises a patient transport apparatus and a power transfer device. The power transfer system provides convenience and ease of connection between a power source and the patient transport apparatus to provide power to one or more electrically powered devices on the patient transport apparatus or to provide energy for an energy storage device on the patient transport apparatus.