Abstract: An examination table including an integrated scale with automatic taring, weight capture in the presence of patient motion, and automatic table height adjustment. The examination table includes a controller that periodically tares the integrated scale when a patient is not on the table so that the scale is ready to measure the weight of a patient without manual taring by the table operator. When a patient is on the table, the controller detects the presence of patient motion based on signals from load sensors, and captures weights for patients experiencing uncontrolled motion or tremors by averaging and comparing sampled weight values over predetermined periods of time. To insure that the patient is fully supported by the examination table before weighing the patient, the controller automatically adjusts the height of the examination table support surface so that the patient's feet are not touching the floor prior to weighing the patient.

Abstract: A gap shield assembly for shielding an open area between a first section of a bed and an adjacent second section of the bed. The gap shield has a first shield member and a second shield member. The second shield member is rotatably connected to the second section of the bed. The first shield member is rotatably and translationally connected to the second shield member. The gap shield assembly also has a width extender assembly connecting the first shield member to the first section of the bed to allow the first shield member to move inwardly and outwardly with respect to a centerline of the bed while still shielding the open area between the first and second sections of the bed.

Abstract: Standby power supplies for patient tables need frequent replacement of the lead-acid batteries on which they depend. We propose to feed the emergency power direct to the drive motors, subsequent to the control circuitry. This will reduce the load on the standby power system, allowing greater design freedom to select longer-lasting or less expensive energy stores.

Abstract: An assembly monitoring system includes a receiver, an assembly, and a processor. The assembly includes at least one trackable component including a transmitter configured to deliver component identifying data to the receiver. The processor is in electronic communication with the receiver and stores authorized assembly configuration data associated with at least one authorized component. The processor is configured to receive the component identifying data from the receiver and to compare the component identifying data with the authorized assembly configuration data. The processor is further configured to generate a first improper assembly signal when the component identifying data does not correspond to at least a portion of the authorized assembly configuration data.

Abstract: An adaptive cushion apparatus for minimizing force concentrations on body parts of a person seated or lying on a chair or bed includes an overlay cushion having a plurality of individual air bladder cells, each having thereon a stretchable piezoresistive force sensor of novel design and construction. The apparatus includes an electro-pneumatic control system for inflating and deflating individual air bladder cells to pressures measured by a pressure transducer which tend to minimize force concentrations sensed by the force sensors.

Abstract: A patient support is provided. The patient support is configurable to support a patient in a horizontal position and a seated position. The patient support includes a back section, and a thigh section coupled to the back section. The patient support also includes an adjustment member coupled to the thigh section. The adjustment member is movable to lengthen the thigh section. The patient support also includes a foot section coupled to the adjustment member. The foot section is pivotable into a first position substantially parallel to the thigh section to a second position substantially perpendicular to the thigh section.

Abstract: A pressure sore relief system includes a plurality of sensors in communication with a surface, whereby each sensor operates independently of one another for detecting a pressure level at a particular region of the surface and generating a feedback signal that corresponds to the detected pressure level, and a system controller adapted to receive the feedback signals from the sensors and generate a plurality of output signals in response to each of the feedback signals. The pressure sore relief system includes a plurality of actuators in communication with the surface and being adapted to receive the output signals from the system controller, whereby each output signal generated by the system controller is associated with one of the actuators. The actuators are adapted to selectively vibrate for minimizing the likelihood of a patient developing pressure sores. The pressure sore relief system may be positioned over a mattress or a chair.

Abstract: A pedal (10) is formed from a single molding and includes first and second arms (12, 14), each provided with an over molded marker (16, 18). The pedal (10) has two fittings (20, 22) for coupling with a brake actuator rod (24) and a coupling member (26) respectively. A castor (40) includes a wheel (42) which can rotate about a bushing (44) and a coupling shaft (46). Within the shaft (46) there is provided a brake mechanism for locking the wheel (42). A base frame (80) for a bed includes longitudinal and transverse struts (52, 54) arranged in a rectangular form, with four castors (40) and four associated pedal assemblies (10). Two actuator rods (24) are provided, one for each pair of opposing pedal assemblies (10), while two connecting elements (26) are provided, one for each pair of side-by-side pedal assemblies (10). All the pedals and thus all the brake mechanisms are coupled to one another through the two actuator rods (24) and two coupling elements (26).

Abstract: The present invention provides a patient support that can be configured in an expanded configuration, for example to accommodate larger patients, and then reconfigured to a more compact configuration to ease maneuverability of the patient support through constricted passageways in a facility and/or to provide a low height patient support. Further, the present invention provides a barrier around the patient support surface which includes a panel that allows a patient to see through the barrier and which is optionally adaptable to change its transparency and/or color.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus is provided. The patient support apparatus has a patient table, a movable support plate for supporting a patient, a guide unit, which is designed to guide the support plate along at least one movement direction of the support plate, and a fastening unit for fastening an auxiliary unit to the support plate. The fastening unit has at least one setting unit for setting the position of the auxiliary unit in relation to the support plate in a flexible manner.

Abstract: A hybrid imaging system and a patient bed for same are disclosed. The hybrid imaging system includes a magnetic resonance scanner and a second modality imaging system spaced apart from the magnetic resonance scanner by a gap. In some embodiments, the gap is less than seven meters. The patient bed is disposed at least partially in the gap between the magnetic resonance scanner and the second modality imaging system, and includes a linearly translatable patient support pallet aligned to be selectively moved into an examination region of the magnetic resonance scanner for magnetic resonance imaging and into an examination region of the second modality imaging system for second modality imaging. In some embodiments, a linear translation range of the linearly translatable pallet is less than five times a length of the patient support pallet along the direction of linear translation.

Abstract: A bed structure includes a frame 28, a deck framework 50 moveably connected to the frame, a panel 72 moveably connected to the deck framework, and a motion converter 100. The motion converter translates the panel relative to the deck framework in response to either or both of a) relative translation between the deck framework and the frame, and b) relative rotation of the deck framework and the frame. In one detailed embodiment the motion converter includes a rack 102 secured to the frame, a primary gear 124 meshing with the rack, a panel drive sprocket 170 rotatably mounted on the deck framework coaxially with the primary gear, an idler sprocket 192 rotatably mounted on the deck framework remote from the panel drive sprocket, a slider connected to the panel, and a chain 220 engaged with the panel drive sprocket and the idler and connected to the slider.

Abstract: A mattress structure able to adjust elastic support forces comprises: a fixed plate, which has a plurality of flexible accommodating holes and a plurality of first flexible members and is fixed in the mattress body, the flexible accommodating holes are at the bottom of the first flexible members respectively; a moving plate, which has a plurality of second flexible member corresponding to the flexible accommodating hole, the moving plate is below the fixed plate; and a support plate, which is below the moving plate and has an air compressor at the bottom thereof, the air compressor has a plurality of air bags disposed between the support plate and the moving plate and a plurality of tubes connecting the air compressor with the air bags, the moving plate is thus moved up and down through that the air bags pump gas.

Abstract: An adjustable bed system includes first and second end boards. A first height adjustment mechanism is secured to the first end board via a first mounting member and a second height adjustment mechanism is secured to the second end board via a second mounting member. The second height adjustment mechanism is independent of the first height adjustment mechanism. An external housing member is engagable with one of the first and second mounting members. A transition box is operatively engagable with one of the first and second height adjustment mechanisms. The transition box is positioned within the external housing such that the transition box is substantially inhibited from rotation during height adjustment of the bed system. A drive shaft interconnects the transition box, at a first end thereof, and the other of the first and second height adjustment mechanisms, at a second end thereof.

Abstract: A patient bed with a multimedia system is disclosed. A patient can access a net work through the multimedia system, and to join a net meeting to chat with other patients. The multimedia system can also provide a consolidated platform of medical information for a doctor or a nurse. An input device of the patient bed may have a touch pad, which allows the patient to control the position of patient support through finger gesture.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus system includes sensors adapted to sense a gesture of a person, or forces exerted by the person on the patient support apparatus, and to control the movement of a component of the patient support apparatus based on the gesture or forces. The movement of the patient support apparatus matches the direction of the person's gesture or applied forces. The speed of the gesture and magnitude of the applied force also influence the movement of the patient support apparatus component. The controlled movement may be the upward and downward motion of a patient support deck on the patient support apparatus, or it may be the pivoting of a section of the patient support deck, or it may be other movement. Control of the patient support apparatus is carried out based on the intent of the user, as evidenced by the user's gesture or applied forces.

Abstract: A fail-safe release mechanism for use with patient positioning support apparati having a base structure and a patient support structure, to prevent collapse of the patient support during disconnection of the patient support structure from the base structure.

Abstract: A mobile diagnostic assembly (20) of the type for supporting a patient in a prone position along an examination surface includes a support frame (22) having a top (26) extending between a front edge (38) and a rear edge (40) and defining at least one opening (48) for receiving pendant breasts of the patient in the prone position. The support frame (22) is movable to a testing position for disposing the rear edge (40) adjacent the examination surface. A flap (50) extends from the rear edge of the top for overlaying an examination surface in the testing position to support the prone patient along the examination surface and said flap and said top to prevent movement of the support frame relative to the examination surface. A pivot (54) is disposed between the flap and the top for establishing rotation of the flap from the testing position to cover said top.

Abstract: A hospital bed obstacle detection device and related method for detecting an obstacle between first and second components of a hospital bed is provided.

Abstract: A table suited for a stylist when styling hair of a deceased body is configured to hold the deceased body to allow hair to be styled. The table has a set of scissor-like supports with a foot-actuated control, thereby providing a means to adjustably elevate and lower the table. The table may also be angled via a pair of foot-actuated controls. A footrest at the table's base supports the deceased person along with a plurality of body securing straps. The table also comprises a separate platform for allowing the stylist to store products within and a neck support to further support the deceased body configuration resulting in optimum hairstyling.

Abstract: Support device, adjustable by electric motor, for supporting cushioning of a piece of furniture for sitting or lying on, in particular a bed mattress, has base body with first adjustable support part, in particular pivotable, relative to second support part. Electric motor adjusting device adjusts first support part, and has first and second adjusting unit provided on opposite longitudinal sides of base body. Rotationally supported component of first adjusting unit is connected, rotationally fixed, to similar component of second adjusting unit by a connecting shaft, and axial ends of connecting shaft engage in recesses in rotatably supported components. Connecting shaft is axially movable between a first position in which rotatably supported components are connected rotationally fixedly by connecting shaft, and a second position in which one end of the connecting shaft is released from recess, and connecting shaft is pretensioned in first position by a spring.

Abstract: An electrical device arrangement, in particular for an item of furniture, includes a bus device and bus subscribers. The bus device has at least two control paths, two power paths and at least one enable path. The additional enable path simplifies the mutual identification of the bus subscribers and also improves the so-called first fail-safety. The signals carried on the enable path furthermore allow a safe shutdown of the system and provide a power-saving sleep mode. A method for controlling such an electrical device arrangement, in particular for an item of furniture, having a bus device and bus subscribers is also disclosed.

Abstract: A medical examination table is provided. The medical examination table comprises a base providing a storage area, a patient support movable independent of the base between a lowered position and a raised position, and a lift mechanism coupled to the patient support for moving the patient support between the lowered position and the raised position. The patient support comprises a backrest and a seat. Movement of the patient support independent or separately from the base and without interfering with the storage areas within the base may allow for the efficient use of the examination table as a storage area.

Abstract: A movable bed of the present invention, which includes a mat portion of a bed to lie thereon, and is composed of a fixed portion and a moving portion, is designed as a wheel chair in such a manner that the moving portion can be separated from or joined to the fixed portion and be transformed from a lying posture state to a sitting posture state, and when the moving portion is joined to the fixed portion so as to form the movable bed, an upper surface of a resting portion, allowing a person to carry thereon, of the moving portion and an inner surface of an armrest portion are configured to form a mat surface of the mat portion of the movable bed.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a frame and a mattress support deck coupled to the frame. The mattress support deck is movable between a horizontal position to support a patient in a lying position and a chair egress position to support the patient in a sitting position. The patient support apparatus has at least one actuator coupled to the mattress support deck and operable to move the mattress support deck between the horizontal position and the chair egress position. Control circuitry is coupled to the at least one actuator and is operable to command operation of the at least one actuator. In response to the control circuitry receiving a chair lockout signal, the at least one actuator is prevented from being operated to move the mattress support deck into the chair egress position.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a frame, a patient support coupled to the frame, a plurality of casters and a wheel coupled to the frame, a motor coupled to the wheel and operable to rotate the wheel to propel the patient support apparatus along a floor, and an electrical system comprising a controller configured to signal operation of the motor to rotate the wheel to propel the patient support apparatus along the floor. The electrical system further includes user inputs adjacent at least one end of the frame and adjacent at least one side of the frame. The user inputs including forward and reverse switches that are engaged to determine whether the patient support apparatus is propelled in a forward direction or a rearward direction, respectively.

Abstract: A medical bed includes a bed body, a headboard, a footboard and a bed top. The bed body has a head set and a foot set. The headboard and the footboard are attached to the head set and the foot set, respectively. The headboard and the footboard each have two ground-mounted supporting posts, a transverse bar connected between middle portions of the two supporting posts and a headboard body or a footboard body detachably mounted on the supporting posts. The headboard body and footboard body are each a plastic unity. The bed top is installed over the head set and the foot set and has an outer frame and a plurality of parallel flat planks. The medical bed can have its components compactly arranged and received in a single carton. The medical bed is structurally simple and requires reduced packing material and storage space.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to a controller and/or a procedure table. The procedure table includes a driver that moves the table, and at least one indicator that indicates status of a condition of the table. The controller includes an unlock actuator that enables the driver to move the table, and a lock actuator that prevents the driver from moving the table while enabling the at least one indicator to continue indicating the status. In some exemplary embodiments, the unlock actuator does not enable the driver to move the table until after expiration of a specified delay period that begins upon actuation of the unlock actuator. Other exemplary embodiments also include a delay period indicator that indicates initiation of the delay period upon actuation of the unlock actuator, and that terminates the indication upon expiration of the delay period.

Abstract: A medical inspection apparatus includes a main body and an inspection module. The main body has at least two guide rails and at least two sliding blocks which are slidably coupled to the guide rails respectively, and the inspection module further includes at least one pivot, and each of the sliding blocks is pivotally connected to the inspection module with a pivot, so that the inspection module is capable of sliding on the sliding rail to regulate the height and rotating with respect to the pivot to regulate the inclination. Moreover, the main body has a first supporting component and a second supporting component, so that the combination of the first supporting component and the second supporting component can provide three-ended support for an inspected person.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a bed frame having a head end and a foot end and control circuitry carried by the bed frame. The control circuitry receives information about conditions of the patient support apparatus. A light is coupled to the bed frame adjacent the foot end and is coupled to the control circuitry. The light is in a first state when the patient support apparatus is operating normally and the light is in a second state when the control circuitry detects an alert condition.

Abstract: A patient support device. The support device includes a first side for contacting a surface, the first side having a perimeter portion and an inner portion. The support device further includes a second side for contacting a patient, the second side having a perimeter portion and an inner portion. The support devices also includes at least one baffle interconnected between the first and second sides. When in an unloaded state, the perimeter portion of the first side is in contact with the surface and the inner portion of the first side is spaced a first distance away from the surface. When in a loaded state the perimeter portion of the first side is in contact with the surface and the inner portion of the first side is spaced a second distance away from the surface. The second distance is less than the first distance.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus comprises a lower frame, a lift mechanism, a drive mechanism, and an upper frame. The lower frame includes a lift drive configured to at least one of expand and contract the lift mechanism. The lift mechanism is pivotably coupled with the lower frame to rotate about a rotational axis. A drive mechanism is coupled between the lift mechanism and the lower frame. The drive mechanism is configured to rotate the lift mechanism about the rotational axis. The upper frame is supported on the lift mechanism and responsive to the rotation of the lift mechanism to rotate a patient about the rotational axis.

Abstract: A patient support includes a patient support surface, a barrier adjacent the patient support surface, with a portion of the barrier or patient support surface including at least one material suspended therein, applied thereto, or embedded therein having an antimicrobial property, and an energy generation system directing energy to the portion or another portion of the barrier or patient support surface, the energy comprising a current, a field, heat, sound waves, or light to provide antimicrobial treatment to the portion or the other portion.

Abstract: A wheeled carriage for supporting a patient has a wheeled base having frame members supporting a plurality of caster wheel assemblies and a braking system. A moveable brake lock assembly, a brake lock actuator, and a swivel lock receiver are operatively connected to one of the caster wheel assemblies to define a locking caster wheel assembly. The brake lock assembly comprises an actuating member, a swivel lock member, and a brake member that are interconnected as a unit for simultaneous movement. The brake lock actuator is operable to selectively move the brake lock assembly into an engaged position via engagement with the actuating member such that the swivel lock member engages the swivel lock receiver and the brake member contacts a wheel of the locking caster wheel assembly thereby preventing rotation and swiveling of the wheel.

Abstract: A person-support apparatus operates according to a set of default operating parameters, processes information corresponding to an occupant of the person-support apparatus from a receiver to determine if an optimal value for an operating parameter is different from the default value, modifies a default operating parameter to an optimal value based on the information corresponding to the occupant of the person-support apparatus to create a modified operating parameter, and operates the person-support apparatus utilizing the modified operating parameter.

Abstract: A system to cause instability for a person supported by a person support surface is disclosed. The system is configured to cause the person supported by the person support surface to compensate for the instability caused by the system in order to exercise their core or trunk region.

Abstract: A patient support system includes a patient support apparatus—which may be a bed or the like—and one or more mobile electronic tags that are positionable in the room and which communicate wirelessly with the patient support apparatus. The electronic tags are attached to one or more of a patient, a medical device, or a caregiver. After detecting the tag(s), the patient support apparatus implements one or more patient care protocols, and provides alerts if the protocols are violated. The implementation may be automatic or require caregiver confirmation. The protocols can be for fall prevention, bed sore prevention, pneumonia prevention, caregiver hand washing, dialysis, and/or other purposes. The patient support apparatus determines the protocol(s) based on one or more of the following: the type of medical device, the specific patient, the presence or absence of the caregiver, and/or information transmitted to, or input into, the patient support apparatus.

Abstract: A radiation treatment system (100) for accurately delivering radiation to a targeted site within a cancer patient (108) that includes a modular patient support system and a patient positioner (114). The modular patient support system includes a modularly expandable patient pod (200) and at least one immobilization device, such as, for example, a rigid moldable foam cradle (350). The patient pod (200) includes a generally hemi-cylindrical support shell (212) that extends longitudinally between proximal edge (214) and distal edge (216), and transversely between two lateral edges (222, 224). In one embodiment, the lateral edges (222, 224) are tapered to minimize edge effects that result when radiation beams traverse the lateral edges (222, 224).

Abstract: A patient support is provided. The patient support is configurable to support a patient in a horizontal position and a seated position. The patient support includes a back section, and a thigh section coupled to the back section. The patient support also includes an adjustment member coupled to the thigh section. The adjustment member is movable to lengthen the thigh section. The patient support also includes a foot section coupled to the adjustment member. The foot section is pivotable into a first position substantially parallel to the thigh section to a second position substantially perpendicular to the thigh section.

Abstract: A motorized bed includes a bed body and a driving device. The bed body includes a base frame, a fixed frame, and a movable frame. The driving device includes a drive unit mounted on the fixed frame, a guide tube mounted on the drive unit, a threaded rod mounted in the guide tube, an extension tube mounted in the guide tube and having a first end provided with a push portion and a second end connected with the movable frame, and a threaded mover moved by the threaded rod and movable to abut the push portion. Thus, when a human body is disposed between the movable frame and the base frame, the human body only needs to overcome the weight of the movable frame to detach the extension tube from the mover, so that the movable frame stops moving immediately.

Abstract: A medical imaging facility has a transport device which is able to be moved at least partly in at least one direction. A position detection device has at least one transmit element which detects the position of the transport device and sends out a position measurement beam. The position detection device has at least one detector element and at least one reflector element.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus is provided. The patient support apparatus includes a plurality of therapeutic devices including a rotation device and a percussion-vibration device for carrying out rotation, percussion, and vibration therapy for a patient. The patient support apparatus includes a control system for controlling operation of the plurality of therapeutic devices. The control system comprises a touch-screen display segmented into a main menu portion and a data window portion. The therapeutic functions are represented by touch selectable buttons on the main menu portion. When any of these buttons are selected, a plurality of adjustable operating parameters appears in the data window portion. At the same time, the buttons corresponding to the therapeutic functions in the main menu portion remain visible such that an operator can easily select another therapeutic function. A method of tracking the therapeutic functions performed is provided.

Abstract: A method and a system have been described to determine a pressure relief set point for a person-support apparatus. The method includes determining the change in pressure or volume in a zone from a vacant mode to a person occupied mode and computing the weight supported there from.

Abstract: A grossing station for use with performing autopsy, necropsy or pathology procedures comprises a table and an overhead hood connected to a top surface of the table. The grossing station further comprises a blower and ventilation system arranged in the table to move air across the table from a front to rear direction. The grossing station also comprises a trough arranged in an upper surface of the table, wherein the trough receives a plurality of interchangeable grid plates or sinks therein. The grossing station also comprises a first and second panel arranged at the side of the hood in order to create a fume hood for use by the user of the grossing station.

Abstract: A method for governing care of a person includes determining the importance of a candidate activity (84) relative to the importance of patient sleep continuity (104) and, if the candidate activity is more important than sleep continuity, carrying out the activity or indicating the acceptability of carrying out the activity (106) and, if the candidate activity is not more important than sleep continuity, refraining from carrying out the activity or indicating the unacceptability of carrying out the activity (108). A system for patient care governance comprises a decision engine (80) for determining the importance of the candidate activity relative to the importance of sleep continuity, and a controller (92) responsive to the decision engine for issuing a command to carry out the activity or indicate the acceptability of carrying out the activity (106), refrain from carrying out the activity or indicate the unacceptability of carrying out the activity (108).

Abstract: A system for interoperability of a person support apparatus and various patient mobility devices are disclosed. The system allows for communication between the person support apparatus and various patient mobility devices.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of a positioning system are described to position an upper-half of a body relative to a head-end of a couch. The positioning system may be a patient positioning system and may include a treatment couch, a leg rest coupled to the treatment couch, and a drive mechanism coupled to the leg rest. The patient positioning system may also include a treatment couch, having a base portion of a treatment couch and plurality of detachable portions of the treatment couch. The plurality of detachable portions to adjust a height of the treatment couch to accommodate differing heights of patients.

Abstract: A patient support system and related method are provided to remove moisture away from a patient and into an interior of a patient support surface. Dry air is circulated through the interior of the support surface to draw away the moisture. Air movers and air dryers are used to circulate and recondition the air in a closed flow path through the patient support surface and back into the air movers and dryers. Alternatively, environmental air may be dried and propelled by the air movers and dryers through the interior of the support surface and discharged back into the environment.

Abstract: A robotic surgery system for supporting a patient and a robotic surgical manipulator. The robotic surgery system includes a base, a pillar coupled to the base at a first end and extending vertically upward to an opposing second end, and an attachment structure coupled to the second end of the pillar. A patient table is coupled to the attachment structure. A robot support arm has a first end coupled to the attachment structure. The robot support arm extends vertically upward and then horizontally over the patient table. A robotic surgical manipulator supported by the horizontal portion of the robot support arm will extend generally downward from the robot support arm toward a patient supported by the patient table to place an end effector of the robotic surgical manipulator adjacent a desired surgical site on the patient.

Abstract: A vehicle for use in hospitals, and the like, giving better mobility, steering, braking and passenger handling while providing comfort to the passengers from the time they lay down until they are standing on the side through the rotation and tilting ability of the frame.