Systems for facilitating movement of a patient transport apparatus are provided and include user input control device that includes a mode switch selectable between a longitudinal transport mode and a multidirectional mode and a driving assist device actuatable between at least one engaged state and a non-engaged state. The mode switch generates signals based on the selected mode and the driving assist device generates engaged or non-engaged signals which are received by a controller. The controller is configured to generate an output signal sent to a lift actuator, swivel actuator, and/or a powered drive system to assist a user in propelling the apparatus in a desired manner.

A patient transport apparatus for transporting a patient over a floor surface is described herein. The patient transport apparatus includes an auxiliary wheel assembly including an auxiliary wheel, an auxiliary wheel drive system, and a control system for operating the auxiliary wheel drive system based on user commands. The control system includes a processor that is programmed to receive a user command to operate the auxiliary wheel drive system in a drive mode and responsively operate a motor control circuit to transmit power signals to a motor to rotate the auxiliary wheel. The processor is also programmed to receive a user command to operate the auxiliary wheel drive system in a free wheel mode and responsively operate the motor control circuit to enable the auxiliary wheel to rotate relatively freely with the auxiliary wheel in a deployed position.

A patient transport apparatus for transporting a patient over a surface. The patient transport apparatus has support wheels coupled to a base and swivelable about swivel axes. An auxiliary wheel assembly is coupled to the base and includes an auxiliary wheel configured to move between a plurality of wheel positions, and an actuator operably coupled to the auxiliary wheel to move the auxiliary wheel between the plurality of wheel positions. A sensing system with a sensor is provided to detect a motion condition of the patient transport apparatus. A controller is coupled to the sensing system and to the actuator, and is configured to drive the actuator to move the auxiliary wheel between the plurality of wheel positions based on the motion condition of the patient transport apparatus.

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.

A patient support apparatus supports a patient and includes a litter. The litter includes a patient support deck and extends longitudinally between first and second ends. The apparatus includes a litter lift device coupled to the litter and configured to raise and lower the patient support deck. The apparatus includes a care station coupled to the litter adjacent one of the first and second ends. The care station includes a docking frame coupled to the litter and defining an angle between the docking frame and the axis. The docking frame is arranged to pivot relative to the litter between a folded position an upright position. The angle in the folded position less than the angle in the upright position. The care station includes a utility module configured for use by a caregiver and arranged to selectively mount to the docking frame.

A patient support apparatus for patients. The patient support apparatus comprises a base and a litter supported by the base. The patient support apparatus also comprises powered devices that perform one or more predetermined functions on the patient support apparatus. A user interface is employed to control the powered devices. The user interface is designed to enable caregivers to cause operation of the powered devices with fewer buttons, while retaining functionality in using powered devices.

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.

Systems for facilitating movement of a patient transport apparatus are provided and include user input control device that includes a mode switch selectable between a longitudinal transport mode and a multidirectional mode and a driving assist device actuatable between at least one engaged state and a non-engaged state. The mode switch generates signals based on the selected mode and the driving assist device generates engaged or non-engaged signals which are received by a controller. The controller is configured to generate an output signal sent to a lift actuator, swivel actuator, and/or a powered drive system to assist a user in propelling the apparatus in a desired manner.

A patient support apparatus includes a litter that includes a support structure articulable between seated and supine configurations. The support structure includes a seat section and a leg section coupled to the seat section and articulable relative to the seat section around a seat axis between first and second angular positions corresponding to the seated and supine configurations, respectively. The apparatus includes a steerable wheel assembly coupled to and rotatable relative to the leg section around a steering axis, and a wheel system including a deployment frame coupled to and rotatable relative to the leg section around a pivot axis and a wheel coupled to and rotatable relative to the deployment frame around a wheel axis parallel to the seat axis. The apparatus includes a wheel deployment mechanism configured to rotate the deployment frame around the pivot axis when the leg section articulates between the first and second angular positions.

A patient support apparatus for patients. The patient support apparatus comprises a base and a litter supported by the base. The patient support apparatus also comprises powered devices that perform one or more predetermined functions on the patient support apparatus. A user interface is employed to control the powered devices. The user interface is designed to enable caregivers to cause operation of the powered devices with fewer buttons, while retaining functionality in using powered devices.