A stationary communication unit is adapted to be mounted to a headwall of a healthcare facility and enable wireless communication between a patient support apparatus and a nurse call system. The unit also performs one or more additional functions, such as, but not limited to: determining when a healthcare worker enters/exits the room; determining when the patient support apparatus exits/enters the room; storing/retrieving medical device data associated with a patient; directing medical device data to one or more displays in the room; auto-updating, auto-retrieving, and/or auto-displaying data upon healthcare worker entry into the room; auto-muting room sounds during nurse-patient communication; and auto-directing a healthcare workers electronic device to data associated with the patient in that room. In alternative embodiments, one or more of these additional functions are incorporated into a patient support apparatus.

A patient care room, and method of treating a patient includes a patient treatment area that is configured to accept a patient support and an airflow system in said patient care room. The airflow system has an air discharge outlet mounted above the patient support. The outlet has a plenum with at least two laterally outside portions that are aligned with opposite perimeters of the patient support. Each outside portion has at least one large opening that is adapted to direct a curtain of air toward the perimeter of the patient support. The plenum has at least one laterally inside portion within the perimeter of the patient support. A cover over the plenum has small openings distributed over the cover that are smaller than the large opening. The outside portions are adapted to each produce a curtain of air that is passed outside a perimeter of the patient support at a higher flow than air inside the perimeter of the patient support.

A stationary communication unit is adapted to be mounted to a headwall of a healthcare facility and enable wireless communication between a patient support apparatus and a nurse call system. The unit also performs one or more additional functions, such as, but not limited to: determining when a healthcare worker enters/exits the room; determining when the patient support apparatus exits/enters the room; storing/retrieving medical device data associated with a patient; directing medical device data to one or more displays in the room; auto-updating, auto-retrieving, and/or auto-displaying data upon healthcare worker entry into the room; auto-muting room sounds during nurse-patient communication; and auto-directing a healthcare workers electronic device to data associated with the patient in that room. In alternative embodiments, one or more of these additional functions are incorporated into a patient support apparatus.

A medical device assembly including a movable suspension arm assembly comprising a plurality of joints; a service head located at an end of the suspension arm assembly, the service head comprising a plurality of outlets; and a brake system for selectively braking the plurality of joints, the brake system comprising a plurality of user engagements, wherein the brake system is configured to detect user engagement of the plurality of user engagements and to release at least one brake of the brake system in response to detecting simultaneous user engagement of at least two of the plurality of user engagements so that a user can move the service head.

Method and system allowing more accurate detection and identification of unwanted arcing include novel processing of signal voltage representing recovered power-line current. In one implementation, arc-faults are detected based on numerical analysis where individual cycles of line voltage and current are observed and data collected during each cycle is processed to estimate likelihood of presence of arc-event within each individual cycle based on pre-defined number of arc-events occurring within pre-defined number of contiguous cycles. In another implementation, fast transient current spikes detection can be done by: computing difference values between consecutive line-current samples collected over a cycle, average of differences, and peak-to-peak value of line-current; comparing each difference value to average of difference; comparing each difference value to peak-to-peak value; and, based on calculation of composite of two comparisons, using thresholds to determine if arcing is present within processed cycle.

Various embodiments concern locking release mechanisms that allow an articulated support arm to be moved between various vertical orientations. A locking release mechanism may include a handle release mechanism positioned within the handle of the articulated support arm, and a gas spring release mechanism positioned within the body of the articulated support arm. The articulated support arm can include a gas spring that remains locked until the handle release mechanism is activated, e.g. by applying pressure to a grip actuator. Other embodiments concern cable management techniques for articulated support arms. Oftentimes, an articulated support arm will include cables routed through the arm that are configured to support an attachment. For example, the cable(s) may be adapted for audio signals, video signals, power, etc. The cable(s) can be readily cleaned and/or serviced when routed through an articulated support arm composed of one or more removable pieces.

A point-of-care computer system is provided, including a display positioned in a point-of-care location. The point-of-care computer includes hardware coupled to a frame of a hospital bed.

A power transfer system comprises a patient support apparatus and a power transfer device. The power transfer system provides convenience and ease of connection between a power source and the patient support apparatus to provide power to one or more electrically powered devices on the patient support apparatus or to provide energy for an energy storage device on the patient support apparatus.

A power transfer system comprises a patient transport apparatus and a power transfer device. The power transfer system provides convenience and ease of connection between a power source and the patient transport apparatus to provide power to one or more electrically powered devices on the patient transport apparatus or to provide energy for an energy storage device on the patient transport apparatus.

A system for use with a hospital bed having circuitry and a standard AC power outlet spaced from the hospital bed is provided. The system includes a cable assembly couplable to the circuitry of the hospital bed. The cable assembly has power conductors and at least one data conductor. The cable assembly also has a plug including a first power coupler coupled to the power conductors and a first data coupler coupled to the at least one data conductor. The system also includes a second data coupler mountable adjacent the standard AC power outlet. The second data coupler is configured to couple to the first data coupler when the first power coupler is coupled to the standard AC power outlet.