Abstract: A bed includes a frame, a controller coupled to the frame, and a patient position detection system coupled to the frame and coupled to the controller. The patient position detection system has at least three modes of operation of varying sensitivities for determining whether a person supported on the frame has moved by a sufficient amount to activate an alarm.

Abstract: A bed includes a frame, a controller coupled to the frame, and a patient position detection system coupled to the frame and coupled to the controller. The patient position detection system has at least three modes of operation of varying sensitivities for determining whether a person supported on the frame has moved by a sufficient amount to activate an alarm.

Abstract: A receiver is configured to authenticate received satellite signals having a carrier wave carrying positioning data. The receiver includes a processor arrangement configured to analyze the carrier wave to determine an apparent acceleration between the satellite and receiver. The processor arrangement is also configured to compare the apparent acceleration between the satellite and receiver with a threshold value to determine if the satellite signal is authentic.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly includes a first connector subassembly associated with a removable component, and a second connector subassembly associated with a host component to which the removable component is removably connectable. One and only one of the first and second connector subassemblies is floatable relative to its associated component.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for detecting the presence of an obstruction with respect to a height-adjustable bed. The apparatus includes one or more sensors coupled to the bed. At least one of the sensors has an output signal which is variable in response to changes in a weight applied to the support surface. The apparatus also includes a controller having inputs configured to receive the output signals from the sensor or sensors. The controller is configured to monitor the output signals, and turn on a room light if a change in position of a body relative to a support surface of the bed is detected.

Abstract: An audible medical information system for a patient or other lay user that is loaded with content by a company or the health care practitioner and can be played at will by the patient and a means for recording information in the audio file. In one embodiment, the system records information in a physical card that the user can have with them without the need for any electronic devices such as a computer or smart phone. Other embodiments may include electronic audio or video files delivered to a computer or smart phone. The audio file can contain up to several minutes of audible information, some of which may be patient specific and some of which may be disease or medication specific. The information may include pre- or post-surgical instructions, information about medications or basic use instructions for medical devices. The file(s), which can play when a card is opened (note card format) or a button is pressed (credit card or digital format), will repeat the information as the user desires.

Abstract: A positioning system (1) comprising one or more transmitters configured to transmit transmissions including positioning data, wherein the system is configured to synchronise the transmission with a reference time. The transmissions are formed using a repeating pseudorandom number (PRN) code comprising a plurality of chips. The system (1) is configured to determine a timing bias (44;54) between the first transmission and the reference time. The system (1) is configured to change the number of chips in one or more of said transmissions such that the timing bias of a subsequent pseudorandom number (PRN) code is reduced.

Abstract: A positioning system (1) comprises a plurality of pseudolites (2) each comprising a transmitter (6) and configured to broadcast a transmission. The transmission includes positioning data (46, 48, 50) usable by a receiver (5) to calculate position; and communications message data (54) comprising information to be output to a user of the receiver (5). The communications message data (50) is not related to calculating position.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for detecting the presence of an obstruction with respect to a height-adjustable bed. The apparatus includes one or more sensors coupled to the bed. At least one of the sensors has an output signal which is variable in response to changes in a weight applied to the support surface. The apparatus also includes a controller having inputs configured to receive the output signals from the sensor or sensors. The controller is configured to monitor the output signals, and turn on a room light if a change in position of a body relative to a support surface of the bed is detected.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly includes a first connector subassembly associated with a removable component, and a second connector subassembly associated with a host component to which the removable component is removably connectable. One and only one of the first and second connector subassemblies is floatable relative to its associated component.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a patient comprising a frame, a footboard and a control panel. The footboard is removable from the patient support.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a patient comprises a frame, a mattress supported by the frame, and a patient position detection system including an alarm and at least one sensor configured to detect a position of the patient relative to the mattress.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a patient comprises a frame, a mattress supported by the frame, and a patient position detection system including an alarm and at least one sensor configured to detect a position of the patient relative to the mattress. The patient position detection system has at least three different modes of operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a patient comprises a frame, a mattress supported by the frame, and a patient position detection system including an alarm and at least one sensor configured to detect a position of the patient relative to the mattress. The patient position detection system has at least three different modes of operation.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for detecting a position of a body on a support surface of a bed. The apparatus includes at least one first sensor coupled to the bed and at least one second sensor located adjacent the support surface. The at least one first sensor has an output signal which is variable in response to changes in a weight applied to the support surface. The at least one second sensor has an output signal which is variable in response to changes in the position of the body on the support surface. The apparatus also includes a controller having inputs configured to receive the output signals from the first and second sensors. The controller is configured to monitor the output signals, to provide an indication of changes in the position of the body relative to the support surface, and to provide an indication if the body exits the support surface.

Abstract: An Earth station having an antenna is configured to establish communication with a satellite. The Earth station stores a table of satellite position data for a plurality of satellites and is configurable to enable its own location position on the surface of the Earth as well as the azimuth and elevation of its antenna to be obtained. The tabulated satellite position data is then utilised to calculate the position of the satellite in relation to the location position. Thereafter at least one of the satellites is selected with which to establish communication and in response to the selection and the obtained azimuth and elevation, a direction is determined in which to configure the antenna for operation with the at least one selected satellite. Following determination of the direction, the antenna is configured for operation with the at least one selected satellite. The location position and the azimuth and elevation of the antenna may be determined through the Earth station comprising a GPS receiver.