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 for transmitting and receiving signals having varying frequencies along a power line within a vehicle is provided. A transceiver is configured to transmit output signals to and receive input signals from various electronic systems on a vehicle along a power line at a first frequency. A frequency control circuit determines whether the destination system for the output signal is configured to receive the output signal at the first frequency or a different frequency and modulates the frequency of the output signal if necessary. The frequency control circuit also determines, prior to receipt by the transceiver, whether the input signal has the first frequency or different frequency and modulates the frequency of the input signal if necessary.

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 welding electrode for use in resistance spot welding an assembly of metal workpieces with curved surfaces and closed or open sections is disclosed. The welding electrode includes a body, a weld face at one end of the body, and contoured curvature forming the weld face. The contoured curvature is configured to seat around the curved surfaces of the metal workpieces when the weld face is pressed against the workpieces during a resistance spot weld event. When brought into contact with the curved surface of the workpiece, the electrode has an optimal contact area, which improves the spot weld process by improving the pressure and current distributions.

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 patient support apparatus includes a patient support surface, a plurality of caster wheels supporting the patient support surface on a floor or ground surface, a brake for manually braking at least one caster wheel of the plurality of caster wheels, and a handle or pedal for manually operating the brake, with the handle or pedal at least having a brake position. The patient support apparatus also includes an electrical actuator configured to couple to the brake and to selectively output a driving force and a user interface in communication with the electrical actuator. In response to input at the user interface, the electrical actuator generating the driving force to actuate the brake to thereby brake the at least one caster wheel, and wherein the driving force of the actuator moves the handle or pedal to the brake positon when the actuator actuates the manually operable brake to brake the caster wheel.

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 patient support apparatus includes a deck, a plurality of side rails, a control panel, and a plurality of subsystems, such as a bed exit system that detects when a patient may exit from the support apparatus, or a lifting mechanism to raise and lower the deck. A controller is in communication with the control panel and is adapted to monitor conditions regarding the side rails and/or the other subsystems. At least one lamp is also provided on the patient support apparatus that is adapted to be illuminated in a first manner when a plurality of monitored conditions remain in a desired state, and in a second manner when at least one of the plurality of monitored conditions changes to an undesired state.

Abstract: An ignition circuit (200) includes: an igniter (210) having first (211) and second (212) terminals; a first diode (225) electrically connected in series with the igniter at the first terminal; a second diode (230) electrically connected in series with the igniter at the second terminal. The first and second diodes each have an anode terminal (226, 231) and a cathode terminal (227, 232), wherein like terminals of the first and second diodes are electrically connected to the igniter, thereby defining proximal terminals and distal terminals. A capacitor (235) is electrically connected across the distal terminals and connectable in parallel with a series-connected energy source (215) and switch (220). The energy source and a switch are electrically connectable across the distal terminals via test lead wires.

Abstract: An apparatus for the prevention of decubitus ulcers includes an overlay and a plurality of stimulation segments disposed throughout the overlay, wherein the stimulation segments provide stimulation. At least one sensor is disposed within at least one of the plurality of stimulation segments. A controller is electrically connected to the at least one sensor, wherein the controller gathers data from the sensor, processes the data, and transmits instructions to the stimulation segments.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a deck, a plurality of side rails, a control panel, and a plurality of subsystems, such as a bed exit system that detects when a patient may exit from the support apparatus, or a lifting mechanism to raise and lower the deck. A controller is in communication with the control panel and is adapted to monitor conditions regarding the side rails and/or the other subsystems. At least one lamp is also provided on the patient support apparatus that is adapted to be illuminated in a first manner when a plurality of monitored conditions remain in a desired state, and in a second manner when at least one of the plurality of monitored conditions changes to an undesired state.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a deck, a plurality of side rails, a control panel, and a plurality of subsystems, such as a bed exit system that detects when a patient may exit from the support apparatus, or a lifting mechanism to raise and lower the deck. A controller is in communication with the control panel and is adapted to monitor conditions regarding the side rails and/or the other subsystems. At least one lamp is also provided on the patient support apparatus that is adapted to be illuminated in a first manner when a plurality of monitored conditions remain in a desired state, and in a second manner when at least one of the plurality of monitored conditions changes to an undesired state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to remote control communication system that uses electromagnetic waves to communicate with and send commands to operate receiving devices. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the remote control communication system relates to a cellular telephone device that has been equipped with the necessary hardware and software to allow a user of the cellular telephone to communicate with certain devices that can be located within a building or similar structure such that the communications act to control activate, deactivate, monitor, or control the operation of the interior devices through an interface that can use the electromagnetic waves to operate the controlled devices.

Abstract: An apparatus for the prevention of decubitus ulcers includes an overlay and a plurality of stimulation segments disposed throughout the overlay, wherein the stimulation segments provide stimulation. At least one sensor is disposed within at least one of the plurality of stimulation segments. A controller is electrically connected to the at least one sensor, wherein the controller gathers data from the sensor, processes the data, and transmits instructions to the stimulation segments.

Abstract: The invention relates to substituted polycyclic aryl and heteroaryl pyrazinone compounds useful as inhibitors of serine proteases of the coagulation cascade and compounds, compositions and methods for anticoagulant therapy for the treatment and prevention of a variety of thrombotic conditions including coronary artery and cerebrovascular diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds, and prodrugs thereof, compositions and methods useful for preventing and treating thrombotic conditions in mammals. The compounds of the present invention, and prodrugs thereof, selectively inhibit certain proteases of the coagulation cascade.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds, and prodrugs thereof, compositions and methods useful for preventing and treating thrombotic conditions in mammals. The compounds of the present invention, and prodrugs thereof, selectively inhibit certain proteases of the coagulation cascade.

Abstract: The invention relates to substituted polycyclic aryl and heteroaryl pyrazinone compounds useful as inhibitors of serine proteases of the coagulation cascade and compounds, compositions and methods for anticoagulant therapy for the treatment and prevention of a variety of thrombotic conditions including coronary artery and cerebrovascular diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds, and prodrugs thereof, composition and methods useful for preventing and treating thrombotic conditions in mammals. The compounds of the present invention, and prodrugs thereof, selectively inhibit certain proteases of the coagulation cascade.