A patient transport apparatus transports a patient over a surface. The patient transport apparatus comprises a support structure comprising a base, a patient support surface, and a reference sensor arranged to sense inclination of the support structure. A drive system is coupled to the support structure and operable to propel the patient transport apparatus. A handle assembly is operable by a user to control operation of the drive system. The handle assembly comprises a handle movable relative to the base and a position sensor arranged to sense positioning of the handle. A controller is coupled to the reference sensor and the position sensor, and is adapted to control the drive system in response to signals received from the reference sensor and the position sensor.

A patient support apparatus comprises a support structure. The support structure comprises a base and a patient support deck coupled to the base. The patient support deck comprises a patient support surface capable of articulating to adjust positioning of a patient supported thereon, a lift system configured to adjust a height of the patient support deck relative to the base, and a user interface system coupled to the support structure and comprising an elongated member and a user interface coupled to the elongated member. The user interface is configured to receive inputs from a user to control a function of the patient support apparatus.

A patient support apparatus and a method of notifying persons within a vicinity of the patient support apparatus are disclosed. The patient support apparatus includes a patient support structure for supporting a patient, an actuator for moving the patient, a notification system, and a controller coupled to the notification system and the actuator. The controller receives a selection of a remote control function via a communication network, generates a notification in response to receiving the selection of the remote control function, and transmits an output signal to the actuator based on the selection of the remote control function. The notification system executes the notification prior to the controller transmitting the output signal to the actuator.

A patient transport apparatus comprises a base, a patient support deck, a wheel assembly, and a braking system. The wheel assembly includes a wheel and a braking mechanism. The braking system includes a linkage assembly, a manual actuator, and an electrical braking assembly. The linkage assembly is arranged to place the braking mechanism in a braked state and a released state. The manual actuator moves the linkage assembly manually to place the braking mechanism in the braked state and the released state. The electrical braking assembly includes a driving assembly that moves to a first position and to a second positing that causes the linkage assembly to place the braking mechanism in the braked state and the released state. The linkage assembly is movable relative to the driving assembly to enable the braking mechanism to be manually actuated with the manual actuator.

A bed base frame assembly of a bed generally comprises a base frame, a plurality of steerable and lockable casters, a lateral support assembly at the first and second sides of the base frame assembly, and an in-line support assembly at the foot end of the base frame assembly. The lateral support assembly may further include: a base frame; a first leg and a second leg rotatably connected to the base frame; a first actuator connected to the first leg and the second leg, wherein the first leg and the second leg rotate from the retracted position to the extended position; a third leg and a fourth leg rotatably connected to the base frame; and a second actuator connected to the third leg and the fourth leg, wherein the third leg and the fourth leg rotate from the retracted position to the extended position.

The invention provides an electronically control motorized lifting device for transfer of a paraplegic between seated positions. A post extends from a wheeled base and movably supports a head for upwards and downwards movement. A lifting arm arrangement is pivotably secured to the head. The head is also rotatable about the post and the base movable between an expanded stabilizing condition and a retracted condition. The latter condition allows the lifting device to fit through a standard width doorway. Movement of the base between these conditions is effected by pivoting of the lifting arm arrangement into and out of a lateral supporting position. The base preferably includes five legs extending substantially radially from the post with two of the legs foldable towards adjacent legs.

A magnetic conveyance system comprising a support structure having a ferromagnetic capacity and a trolley moveable upon the support structure in a plurality of directions. The trolley may include a trolley frame and at least one attractor cell disposed on the trolley frame. The at least one attractor cell may comprise a housing and at least one magnet, at least one friction reducing load spreading device, and a load transfer member disposed within the housing. The magnet may provide a magnetic attraction force between the trolley and the support structure. The friction reducing load spreading device may comprise a plurality of bearing balls circulating within a reservoir and a channel formed by the load transfer member disposed within the housing. The load transfer member may also include a bearing surface wherein a portion of the plurality of bearing balls is disposed between the bearing surface and the support structure.

A magnetic conveyance system comprising a support structure having a ferromagnetic capacity and a trolley moveable upon the support structure in a plurality of directions. The trolley may include a trolley frame and at least one attractor cell disposed on the trolley frame. The at least one attractor cell may comprise a housing and at least one magnet, at least one friction reducing load spreading device, and a load transfer member disposed within the housing. The magnet may provide a magnetic attraction force between the trolley and the support structure. The friction reducing load spreading device may comprise a plurality of bearing balls circulating within a reservoir and a channel formed by the load transfer member disposed within the housing. The load transfer member may also include a bearing surface wherein a portion of the plurality of bearing balls is disposed between the bearing surface and the support structure.

A motive system for a patient lifting assembly, a patient lifting assembly and a method of operating a patient lifting assembly. The motive system includes an electric motor, numerous sensors and an adaptive control unit cooperative with one another so that a memory and processor that are part of the control unit that can respectively store and execute a computer readable and executable instruction set. By comparing collected data from the sensors during operation of the motor to corresponding reference values associated with one or more motor operational parameterssuch as accumulated motor wear over time or differences in operating temperature of the motorthe system can selectively adjust the maximum amount of current available for use by the motor. In this way, changes in motor efficiencies that arise with these parametric changes can be taken into consideration when determining an upper limit on how much electrical current may be delivered to the motor for a given load.

The invention provides a lifting device (1) for transfer of a paraplegic between seated positions. A post (3) extends from a wheeled base (2) and movably supports a head (5) for upwards and downwards movement. A lifting arm arrangement (7) is pivotably secured to the head (5). The head (5) is also rotatable about the post (3) and the base (2) movable between an expanded stabilizing condition and a retracted condition. The latter condition allows the lifting device (1) to fit through a standard width doorway. Movement of the base (2) between these conditions is effected by pivoting of the lifting arm arrangement (7) into and out of a lateral supporting position. The base (2) preferably includes five legs (4) extending substantially radially from the post (3) with two of the legs (4) foldable towards adjacent legs (4).