An example method includes capturing images using a camera and detecting a medical device in a first image among the images. A request is transmitted to the medical device. Based on transmitting the request, the example method includes determining that the medical device has output a chirp signal in a second image among the images. Based on the chirp signal, the method includes causing the medical device to perform an action by transmitting a control message to the medical device.

A patient support apparatus tracking system includes at least one of a frame, mattress, and mattress cover. A radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag may be embedded within the at least one of the frame, mattress, and mattress cover. The RFID tag may include an identification memory unit including read-only sort-prefix data corresponding to the one of the frame, mattress, and mattress cover and a service memory unit comprising a read/write configuration including a greater amount of digital storage than the identification memory unit. The RFID tag may be configured to receive a log of configurable equipment updates into the service memory unit and communicate the sort-prefix from the identification memory unit and the log of equipment updates to a controller via a reader device.

A patient support apparatus tracking system includes at least one of a frame, mattress, and mattress cover. A radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag may be embedded within the at least one of the frame, mattress, and mattress cover. The RFID tag may include an identification memory unit including read-only sort-prefix data corresponding to the one of the frame, mattress, and mattress cover and a service memory unit comprising a read/write configuration including a greater amount of digital storage than the identification memory unit. The RFID tag may be configured to receive a log of configurable equipment updates into the service memory unit and communicate the sort-prefix from the identification memory unit and the log of equipment updates to a controller via a reader device.

A patient support apparatus is provided for sensing and responding to an emergency event. The patient support apparatus includes a plurality of actuators to lift and lower a patient relative to a floor surface and to articulate one or more deck sections. An activator is coupled to the support structure to be actuated by a user to signal the emergency event. A plurality of electronic motion locks can be configured to a locked or unlocked state. In the locked state, a controller prevents operation of one or more of the actuators. The controller is configured to automatically reset the motion locks to their unlocked states in response to detecting the emergency event.

A patient transport apparatus with a throttle assembly arranged for rotation by a user between a maximum forward position and a maximum backward position to modulate propulsion via a wheel drive system. The throttle assembly includes a handle configured to be gripped by the user and a throttle arranged for user-selected rotation relative to the handle about a central axis between a maximum forward throttle position and a maximum backward throttle position. A damper assembly is interposed between the throttle and the handle to provide torque resisting rotation of the throttle as the throttle rotates relative to the handle.

A patient support apparatus for transporting a patient over a floor surface is described herein. The patient support apparatus includes a drive system with a drive member, a user interface arranged for selective user engagement by a user to operate the drive system, and a control system for operating the drive system. The control system includes a processor configured to determine that the patient transport apparatus is traveling on an inclined floor surface, monitor the user interface for changes in user engagement by a user, and operate the drive system to decelerate the drive member to one of a plurality of positions based on the changes in user engagement.

A recirculating warm air system configured to connect to an air inflatable product is provided. The system includes a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber includes a first air inlet and a first valve located at the first air inlet. The second chamber includes a second valve located between the first chamber and the second chamber, an air outlet, and a first hose connected to the air outlet. The second chamber further includes an air blower and a heater located between the air blower and the air outlet. The second chamber includes a second air inlet, a third valve located at the second air inlet, and a second hose connected to the second air inlet. The first hose and the second hose are configured to connect to the air inflatable product. The system further includes a processing unit configured to control elements of the system.

A patient support apparatus having a support structure with a primary support surface for a patient, and an extension manually movable by a user relative to the support structure from a stowed position to an extended position so that the extension provides auxiliary support for the patient in the extended position. A locking device is operable to releasably hold the extension relative to the support structure in the stowed position and the extended position. A release mechanism is operable to manipulate the locking device to release the extension for movement relative to the support structure, and is movable with the extension from the stowed position to the extended position.

Systems and methods for a load sensing system that determines a mass on a bed. The systems generally are in the form of a castor base, particularly one that can be used as part of an adjustable hospital bed. The load sensing system serves to determine the mass of any object or objects (typically a human or animal patient) which is placed on the bed by having the mass create a force on lever arms of a plurality of load cells in the castor base. The load sensing systems are designed to work without hindering the adjustable functionality of the bed and can accurately determine mass (weight) at any position of the bed, and potentially even while the bed is adjusting between positions.

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.