Abstract: Patient handling equipment, such as a hospital bed, is provided with a propulsion system and a status indicator light system incorporated in the propulsion system and operable to generate at least two light beams beyond a perimeter of the bed. The light indicator, which may have different colors, shapes or intensities, can indicate the state of propulsion of the system and generates light beams which are visible all around the equipment so as to be visible to a carer from any angle. The apparatus may include an ambient light sensor disposed to detect floor level lighting conditions rather than general ambient light.

Abstract: A brake assist system for patient handling equipment such as a patient bed includes a drive wheel. The wheel includes a brake assist system operated by control of a controlled unit which is operable to sense tilt of the handling equipment and to apply partial breaking to the wheel when it is detected that the equipment is on a slope. The control unit controls a maximum speed of the equipment down the slope, in order to protect the patient and to assist a care worker. The control unit disengages the brake assist mechanism when it is detected that the equipment is on a horizontal surface.

Abstract: Patient handling equipment, such as a hospital bed, is provided with a propulsion system and a status indicator light system incorporated in the propulsion system and operable to generate at least two light beams beyond a perimeter of the bed. The light indicator, which may have different colors, shapes or intensities, can indicate the state of propulsion of the system and generates light beams which are visible all around the equipment so as to be visible to a carer from any angle. The apparatus may include an ambient light sensor disposed to detect floor level lighting conditions rather than general ambient light.

Abstract: A brake assist system for patient handling equipment such as a patient bed includes a drive wheel. The wheel includes a brake assist system operated by control of a controlled unit which is operable to sense tilt of the handling equipment and to apply partial breaking to the wheel when it is detected that the equipment is on a slope. The control unit controls a maximum speed of the equipment down the slope, in order to protect the patient and to assist a care worker. The control unit disengages the brake assist mechanism when it is detected that the equipment is on a horizontal surface.