SAFETY SYSTEM FOR USE IN MEDICAL TABLES

Abstract

A system for determining and displaying restrictions on the operation of an operating table, comprising a patient support surface (600) for fastening on an operating table column of an operating table, a display unit (607) for displaying information about restrictions on the operation of the operating table, and an evaluation unit (606) which determines restrictions on the operation of the operating table based on at least the identification and/or configuration of the patient support surface (600) and displays the restrictions on the display unit (607) before the patient is placed on the patient support surface (600).

Claims

1. A system for determining and displaying restrictions on the operation of an operating table, wherein the system comprises: a patient support surface (600) to be fastened on an operating table column of an operating table, a display unit (607) for displaying pieces of information about restrictions on the operation of the operating table, and an evaluation unit (606) which is designed to determine restrictions on the operation of the operating table based on at least the identification and/or configuration of the patient support surface (600) and to display the restrictions on the display unit (607) before the patient is placed on the patient support surface (600).

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the patient support surface (600) comprises a main support surface section (601) having an interface for coupling to the operating table column and one or more secondary support surface sections (602-605) which are detachably connectable to the main support surface section (601), wherein, when at least one of the secondary support surface sections (602-605) is connected to the main support surface section (601), signals are transmitted from the at least one secondary support surface section (602, 603) to the main support surface section (601), and wherein the evaluation unit (606) is designed to determine, on the basis of the signals transmitted to the main support surface section (601), which secondary support surface sections (602-605) are connected to the main support surface section (601), and to determine restrictions on the operation of the operating table therefrom.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the restrictions relate to the movement of the patient support surface (600), in particular the movement of the entire patient support surface (600) and/or the separate movement of the secondary support surface sections (602-605).

4. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the restrictions in operation of the operating table comprise restrictions for a plurality of different patient weight ranges.

5. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, furthermore comprising an input unit (650) for entering the weight of a patient placed on the operating table and/or an interface for receiving pieces of electronic patient weight information from outside the system.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein the evaluation unit (606) is designed to take into consideration the weight of the patient entered into the input unit (650) and/or a piece of patient weight information received via the interface when determining the restrictions on the operation of the operating table.

7. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the display unit (607) and the input unit (650) is provided by a remote control or a display screen that is physically separated from the patient support surface (600).

8. The system according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the signals are electrical signals by means of which at least one piece of information relating to the at least one secondary support surface section (602, 603) and/or one or more other secondary support surface sections (604, 605) connected to the at least one secondary support surface section (602, 603) is transmitted via an interface (609, 611) between the at least one secondary support surface section (602, 603) and the main support surface section (601).

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein the at least one secondary support surface section is an intermediate section (602, 603) which is connected on a first side (608, 610) to the main support surface section (601) and on a second side (620, 621) to a further intermediate section or an end section (604, 605), and wherein in particular at least one piece of information relating to the further intermediate section or the end section (604, 605) is transmitted to the main support surface section (601) by means of the electrical signals.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the intermediate section (602, 603) transmits pieces of information about an end section (604, 605) to the main support surface section (601), and the system uses these pieces of information to identify the end section (604, 605).

11. The system according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the intermediate section (602, 603) has a control unit (624, 625) which transmits the at least one piece of information to the main support surface section (601).

12. The system according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the main support surface section (902) has at least one light source (930) and at least one detector element (932, 933, 934), wherein the one or more secondary support surface sections (904, 906, 908) each have one or more light guides (940, 950, 960) and each have a marking element (943, 953, 961) which changes light in a manner specific to the respective secondary support surface section (904, 906, 908), and wherein the signals comprise the light generated by the at least one light source (930), which is guided by means of the light guides (940, 950, 960) to the marking elements (943, 953, 961) of the secondary support surface sections (904, 906, 908) connected to the main support surface section and from the marking elements (943, 953, 961) to the at least one detector element (932, 933, 934).

13. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the restrictions on the operation of the operating table comprise one or more of the following restrictions: restrictions on the use of secondary support surface sections (602-605), restrictions on the configuration of secondary support surface sections (602-605), restrictions on the selection of axes around which movement of the secondary support surface sections (602-605) is possible, restrictions on the range within which a secondary support surface section (602-605) can be moved around an axis, restrictions on the speed at which a secondary support surface section (602-605) can be moved around an axis, restrictions on the maximum weight of the patient, restrictions on the longitudinal displacement of the patient support surface (600), restrictions on the Trendelenburg tilting of the patient support surface (600), restrictions on the lateral tilting of the patient support surface (600), restrictions on the height adjustment of the patient support surface (600), restrictions on the extension of the rollers of the operating table, restrictions on the motorized transport of the operating table, and/or restrictions on the lateral displacement of the patient support surface.

14. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the evaluation unit (606) is designed such that it receives pieces of weight information for a patient before the patient is located on the patient support surface (600) and that it uses the pieces of weight information in determining movement restrictions for the patient support surface (600).

15. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the display unit (607) is provided on a remote control, a display screen on a wall, or a display screen on a ceiling arm, and wherein the restrictions on the operation of the operating table comprise restrictions on the longitudinal displacement of the patient support surface (600) and/or restrictions on the Trendelenburg tilting of the patient support surface (600).

16. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the patient support surface (600) comprises a main support surface section (601) and one or more secondary support surface sections (602-605), and the configuration of the patient support surface (600) is the configuration in which the secondary support surface sections are connected to one another and to the main support surface section.

17. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the evaluation unit (606) determines the restrictions on the operation of the operating table and the restrictions are displayed on the display unit (607) when the operating table and/or the patient support surface (600) are in a rest state in which the operating table and/or the patient support surface (600) are not moving and when no signal or command to move the operating table and/or the patient support surface (600) is pending.

18. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the patient support surface (600) comprises a main support surface section (601) and one or more secondary support surface sections (602-605), and by identifying the patient support surface (600) it is known which secondary support surface sections (602-605) are connected to the main support surface section (601).

19. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the patient support surface (600) comprises a main support surface section (601) and one or more secondary support surface sections (602-605), and the evaluation unit (606) identifies at least which secondary support surface sections (602-605) are connected to the main support surface section (601), and wherein the evaluation unit (606) uses this identification to determine and display restrictions on the future movement of the patient support surface (600) after the patient has been placed on the patient support surface (600).

20. An operating table system comprising an operating table (500) having an operating table column (510) and a system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the patient support surface (600) is fastened on the operating table column (510).

21. The operating table system according to claim 20, comprising: a load sensor arrangement having multiple load sensors for measuring at least one variable from which a load acting on the load sensor arrangement can be determined, wherein the load sensor arrangement is arranged between at least two parts of the operating table, and wherein the at least two parts are essentially immobile relative to one another.

22. A method for determining and displaying restrictions on the operation of an operating table, wherein the operating table has a patient support surface (600) fastened on an operating table column, restrictions on the operation of the operating table are determined based on at least the identification and/or configuration of the patient support surface (600) and the restrictions are displayed by a display unit (607) before the patient is placed on the patient support surface (600).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0200] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. In the figures:

[0201] FIG. 1 shows a schematic side view of an operating table with a patient positioned on a patient support surface of the operating table;

[0202] FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of the system architecture of an operating table according to the disclosure having a load sensor arrangement, a load determination unit, and a safety unit;

[0203] FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of an operating table according to the disclosure to illustrate the measured load, the active load, and the total load;

[0204] FIGS. 4A to 4C show schematic representations of various embodiments of an operating table according to the disclosure having a load sensor arrangement arranged between two parts that are not movable relative to one another;

[0205] FIGS. 5A to 5D show schematic representations of various embodiments of an operating table according to the disclosure having force sensors arranged parallel and mirror-symmetrically;

[0206] FIGS. 6A and 6B show schematic diagrams to illustrate the forces acting on the force sensors;

[0207] FIGS. 7A and 7B show schematic diagrams to illustrate the reduction of transverse forces due to the symmetrical arrangement of the force sensors;

[0208] FIG. 8 shows a schematic representation to illustrate the determination of the gravitational vector for an inclined patient support surface;

[0209] FIG. 9 shows a schematic representation of an operating table according to the disclosure having a load sensor arrangement, a load determination unit, and a tipping prevention unit;

[0210] FIGS. 10A and 10B show schematic representations of an operating table according to the disclosure in a locked and unlocked position with tilting points, respectively;

[0211] FIGS. 11A and 11B show schematic representations of an operating table according to the disclosure with a center of gravity of the total load inside and outside the contact surface of the tipping points, respectively;

[0212] FIG. 12 shows a schematic representation of an operating table according to the disclosure with virtual 5 or 10 degree lines;

[0213] FIG. 13 shows a schematic representation of an operating table according to the disclosure having a load sensor arrangement, a load determination unit, and an overload prevention unit;

[0214] FIG. 14 shows a schematic representation of an operating table according to the disclosure having a configuration of extension sections;

[0215] FIGS. 15A and 15B show schematic representations of an operating table according to the disclosure having different load limits in sections or points;

[0216] FIG. 16 shows a schematic representation of an operating table according to the disclosure in an extreme Trendelenburg position;

[0217] FIG. 17 shows a schematic side view of an operating table according to the disclosure having secondary support surface sections in different levels;

[0218] FIG. 18 shows a schematic representation of a patient support surface according to the disclosure having an interface designed for data transmission between the main support surface section and the intermediate sections;

[0219] FIGS. 19A to 19D show schematic representations of a patient support surface according to the disclosure in the assembled state having male and female components for connecting the support surface sections;

[0220] FIGS. 20A to 20D show schematic representations of the patient support surface shown in FIGS. 19A to 19D with separate support surface sections;

[0221] FIGS. 21A to 21D show schematic representations of male and female assemblies;

[0222] FIG. 22 shows a representation of a flow chart of a method according to the disclosure for generating information about restrictions on the operation of an operating table;

[0223] FIGS. 23A and 23B show representations of exemplary graphics displayed by a display; and

[0224] FIG. 24 shows a schematic representation of a patient support surface according to the disclosure having an interface designed for data transmission between the main support surface section and the intermediate sections.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0225] In the following description, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference to the drawings. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, but are intended only to illustrate the respective features schematically.

[0226] It is to be noted that the features and components described below can each be combined with each other, regardless of whether they have been described in connection with a single embodiment. The combination of features in the respective embodiments serves merely to illustrate the basic structure and functioning of the claimed device.

[0227] In the figures, identical or similar elements are provided with identical reference symbols where appropriate.

[0228] FIG. 1 schematically shows a mobile operating table 10 which can be used for supporting a patient 12 during a surgical procedure and for transporting him. The mobile operating table 10 comprises, from bottom to top, a stand 14 for placing the operating table 10 on a surface, a vertically arranged operating table column 16 comprising the stand 14, and a patient support surface 18 fastened to an upper end of the operating table column 16. The patient support surface 18 can be fixedly connected to the operating table column 16 or, alternatively, can be detachably fastened to the operating table column 16.

[0229] The patient support surface 18 is modular and is used to support the patient 12. The patient support surface 18 comprises a main support surface section 20 connected to the operating table column 16, which can be extended as desired by coupling on various secondary support surface sections. In FIG. 1, a leg section 22, a shoulder section 24, and a head section 26 are coupled to the main support surface section 10 as secondary support surface sections.

[0230] The patient support surface 18 of the operating table 10 can be adjusted to a suitable height and can be both tilted and inclined depending on the type of surgical procedure to be performed.

[0231] The operating table column 16 is height-adjustable and has an internal mechanism for adjusting the height of the patient support surface 18 of the operating table 10. The mechanism is arranged in a housing 28, which protects the components from contamination.

[0232] The stand 14 has two sections 30, 32 of different lengths. The section 30 is a short section which is associated with a foot end of the leg section 22, i.e., the end of the patient support surface 18 on which the feet of the patient 12 to be treated lie. The section 32 is a long section which is associated with the head section 26 of the patient support surface 18.

[0233] Furthermore, the stand 14 can have wheels or rollers using which the operating table 10 can be moved on the floor. Alternatively, the stand 14 can be fixedly anchored on the ground.

[0234] For better illustration, a Cartesian coordinate system X-Y-Z is shown in FIG. 1. The X-axis and the Y-axis are the horizontal axes, the Z-axis is the vertical axis. The X-axis extends along the support surface sections 22, 24, 26 arranged adjacent to one another.

[0235] FIG. 2 schematically shows the system architecture of an operating table 100 according to the disclosure. The operating table 100 has a load sensor arrangement 102, a load determination unit 104, a safety unit 106, a monitoring and calibration unit 108, a data storage 110, and other components 112 of the operating table 100. Furthermore, the safety unit 106 contains a tipping prevention unit 114 and an overload protection unit 116.

[0236] The load sensor arrangement 102 contains multiple load sensors and is designed to measure at least one variable from which a load acting on the load sensor arrangement 102 can be determined. In the present case, the load sensors are force sensors, each of which measures a force acting on the respective sensor. The force values measured by the individual force sensors are output by the load sensor arrangement 102 as a signal 120 in digital form. Furthermore, the load sensor arrangement 102 contains electronic components that are required to operate the force sensors.

[0237] The load determination unit 104 receives the signal 120 having the measured force values and determines therefrom a desired load and/or a load center of gravity. In detail, the load determination unit 104 can determine a measured load, an active load, and/or a total load as well as the associated load centers of gravity.

[0238] In order to be able to adequately process and analyze the supplied force values, the load determination unit 104 requires some data on the geometry and the masses or weights of the operating table 100 and the accessories. These data are stored in the data memory 110 and are made available to the load determination unit 104 by means of a signal 122. In particular, pieces of information on the masses and centers of gravity of the individual components of the operating table 100 and the accessories can be obtained from these data. The data memory 110 is expandable via a connectivity module of the operating table 100.

[0239] The load determination unit 104 generates a signal 124 as an output signal, which contains pieces of information about the determined loads and load centers of gravity. These pieces of information are transmitted to the safety unit 106, where all available data are analyzed, including the loads, centers of gravity, and position data of the operating table 100 and the accessories recognized by the operating table 100.

[0240] The safety unit 106 decides whether the operating table 100 is safe or whether it is in a dangerous situation. The safety unit 106 generates a safety signal 126 that indicates whether the operating table 100 is in a safety-critical state.

[0241] Depending on the severity of the recognized situation, the algorithm reacts accordingly. For example, the operating table 100 may only output a warning or stop the movement. The warnings can be given via an acoustic or optical signal by the operating table 100 or in the form of text via the remote control. The measures may vary from slowing down the speed of movement to stopping the movement to blocking some functionalities and may continue until a state is reached in which the operating table 100 is safe again.

[0242] It can be provided that the safety features can be deactivated by the user at any time and the movement of the operating table 100 can be continued at the user's own risk.

[0243] The tipping prevention unit 114 and the overload protection unit 116 are subunits of the safety unit 106. The tipping prevention unit 114 generates a tipping prevention signal 128 based on the total load and/or the center of gravity of the total load, indicating whether there is a risk of the operating table 100 tipping over. The overload protection unit 116 generates an overload protection signal 130 based on the defined load and/or the center of gravity of the defined load, which indicates whether there is a risk of overload for the operating table 100 and/or at least one component of the operating table 100. Alternatively, the overload protection unit 116 may use the measured load or the total load and/or the center of gravity of one of these loads to generate the overload protection signal 130. Both the tipping safety signal 128 and the overload protection signal 130 are safety signals of the safety unit 106.

[0244] If the stand 14 does not have wheels or rollers and is instead fixedly connected to the floor, the tipping prevention unit 114 may be deactivated or not implemented in the safety unit 106.

[0245] Since the system is designed to reliably recognize critical situations, the system also has a monitoring and calibration unit 108. This software module checks the plausibility of the measured values and recognizes whether the system is malfunctioning or whether calibration or taring of the system is necessary. The monitoring and calibration unit 108 generates corresponding output signals 132, 134, which are transmitted to the load determination unit 104 or the components 112 of the operating table 100.

[0246] The components 112 of the operating table 100 continuously generate position data, data for adjusting individual components, and pieces of information about the accessories recognized by the operating table 100. These data are made available to the system using a signal 136.

[0247] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates the various loads that the load determination unit 104 can determine based on the data supplied by the load sensor unit 102. In FIG. 3, the measured load, the active load, and the total load are identified by reference numerals 140, 142, and 144, respectively.

[0248] The measured load is the load that acts on the load sensor arrangement 102. The measured load corresponds to the load generated by all persons, objects, and forces on the operating table 100 above the load sensors. The measured load corresponds to the load value measured by the load sensor arrangement 102.

[0249] The active load corresponds to the load caused by components not associated with the operating table 100, and persons and external forces, and which acts on the operating table 100. The influence of the components associated with the operating table 100 is not taken into consideration in the active load. Only the remaining components of the operating table 100 contribute to the active load, i.e., the components not associated with the operating table 100. These can be, for example, accessories that are not recognized by the operating table 100. Furthermore, the patient on the operating table 100 contributes to the active load. The active load also includes all external forces acting on the operating table 100, for example forces exerted on the operating table 100 by persons and/or objects outside the operating table 100. The active load is basically the measured load without the influence of the known objects such as table top parts, recognized accessories, etc.

[0250] The total load is the load resulting from the measured load and from a load caused by components associated with the operating table 100 and located below the load sensor arrangement 102. The total load therefore takes into consideration loads from components that are located below the load sensor arrangement 102 and cannot be measured by the load sensor arrangement 102 and therefore do not contribute to the measured load. The total load is therefore the load resulting from the entire operating table 100, the patient, the components associated with the operating table 100, the components not associated with the operating table 100, and other external forces.

[0251] FIGS. 4A to 4C schematically show an operating table 200 according to the disclosure in various embodiments. The operating table 200 is in many respects similar to the operating table 100 schematically shown in FIG. 2. Elements of the operating table 200 that are identical or similar to elements of the operating table 100 are provided with identical reference numerals.

[0252] The operating table 200 is an operating table according to the first aspect of the present application and can be operated using a method according to the second aspect.

[0253] In the operating table 200, the load sensor arrangement 102 having the multiple load sensors is arranged between at least two parts of the operating table 200. The at least two parts are essentially immobile relative to one another. If the operating table 200, in particular the patient support surface 18, is moved or adjusted during operation, for example when tilting and/or extending the patient support surface 18, the at least two parts essentially do not move relative to one another, i.e., they remain essentially in the same position relative to one another. This applies both to the distance of the at least two parts from one another and to the angle(s) that the at least two parts enclose with one another.

[0254] The load sensor arrangement 102 is preferably integrated into the operating table 200 such that the entire load above the load sensors flows or is transmitted through the load sensor arrangement 102.

[0255] The load sensor arrangement 102 can be arranged at different positions in the operating table 200. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A, the load sensor arrangement 102 is arranged between the stand 14 and the operating table column 16, while the load sensor arrangement 102 in FIG. 4B is integrated into the operating table column 16. In FIG. 4C, the load sensor arrangement 102 is located adjacent to the interface between the patient support surface 18 and the operating table column 16.

[0256] FIG. 5A shows the operating table 200 having a load sensor arrangement 102 arranged between the patient support surface 18 and the operating table column 16. The load sensor arrangement 102 contains four identical force sensors 1a, 1b, 2a, and 2b, which are arranged parallel and in a mirror image to one another. Two different variants for the placement of the force sensors 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b are illustrated in FIGS. 5B and 5C. FIGS. 5B and 5C each show a top view of the load sensor arrangement 102 along a line A-A shown in FIG. 5A.

[0257] For the alignment of the force sensors 1a, 1b, 2a, 2c, a first axis 210 and a second axis 212 are specified, which are perpendicular to one another. The first axis 210 extends parallel to a main axis of the patient support surface 18, while the second axis 212 extends perpendicular to this main axis but parallel to the patient support surface 18.

[0258] The force sensors 1a, 1b, 2a, 2c each have a main axis which is aligned parallel to the first axis 210 in FIG. 5B. In FIG. 5C, the main axes of the force sensors 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b are aligned parallel to the second axis 212. Furthermore, the force sensors 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b are each arranged in pairs mirror-symmetrically to the axes 210, 212. The pairs (1a, 1b), (1a, 2a), (1b, 2b), and (2a, 2b) each form a mirror-symmetric force sensor pair. In some embodiments, the force sensors 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b are arranged in a 22 grid as shown. In some embodiments, the grid arrangement has at least two force sensors 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b on each side. In some embodiments, the force sensors 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b all lie in a single common plane that is intersected by both the first axis 210 and the second axis 212.

[0259] The force sensors can also be arranged within the sensor arrangement 102 differently than in FIGS. 5B and 5C. Several exemplary alternative arrangements of the force sensors in the sensor assembly 102 are shown in FIG. 5D.

[0260] Using the example of the sensor arrangement 102 shown in FIG. 5B or 5C, the measured load can be calculated by adding all forces measured by the sensors 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b. The corresponding center of gravity can be calculated with the aid of the torque compensation equation below and the forces shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. FIG. 6A shows a cross-sectional view along the x-axis and FIG. 6B shows a cross-sectional view along the y-axis. The torque balance equation can be applied in both directions so that the x and y components of the center of gravity can be determined:

[00001]$\begin{array}{cc}{F}_{\mathrm{load}}=F_{1a}+F_{2a}+F_{1b}+F_{2b}& \left(1\right)\end{array}$$\begin{array}{cc}{X}_{\mathrm{cg}}=\frac{F_{1a}+F_{1b}}{F_{\mathrm{load}}}a-\frac{a}{2}& \left(2\right)\end{array}$$\begin{array}{cc}{Y}_{\mathrm{cg}}=\frac{F_{1a}+F_{2a}}{F_{\mathrm{load}}}b-\frac{b}{2}& \left(3\right)\end{array}$

[0261] In equations (1) to (3), F.sub.load is the weight force generated by the patient. The forces F.sub.1a, F.sub.1b, F.sub.2a, and F.sub.2b are the forces measured by the sensors 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b. The parameters a and b are the distances of the sensors in the x and y directions respectively. X.sub.cg and Y.sub.cg are the x and y coordinates, respectively, of the center of gravity of the load caused by the patient.

[0262] The active load and the total load as well as their corresponding center of gravity values can be calculated by adding or subtracting the corresponding components of the operating table 200 and their center of gravity values stored in the data memory 110.

[0263] The arrangement of the sensors 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b proposed in FIGS. 5B and 5C makes the system robust against transverse forces. Due to the symmetrical arrangement, transverse forces are canceled, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B.

[0264] The cancellation of the transverse forces also allows the described system to reliably measure forces and center of gravity when the patient support surface 18 is in an inclined position. FIG. 8 shows how the gravitational vector F.sub.load can be split into two components. One component is located lateral to the force sensors and is canceled due to the effects explained above. The second component F.sub.measured extends perpendicular to the force sensors and is reliably measured. If the inclination angle of the patient support surface 18 is known, the actual load above the sensors and their center of gravity can be calculated.

[0265] FIG. 9 schematically shows an operating table 300 according to the disclosure, which is in many parts similar to the operating table 100 schematically shown in FIG. 2. Elements of the operating table 300 that are identical or similar to elements of the operating table 100 are provided with identical reference numerals.

[0266] The operating table 300 is an operating table according to the third aspect of the present application and can be operated using a method according to the fourth aspect.

[0267] The operating table 300 comprises a load sensor arrangement 102 having multiple load sensors, a load determination unit 104, and a tipping prevention unit 114. The load determination unit 104 determines the total load of the operating table 300 and the center of gravity of the total load based on the forces measured by the force sensors. The tipping prevention unit 114 generates a tipping prevention signal 128 based on the total load and/or the center of gravity of the total load, indicating whether there is a risk of the operating table 300 tipping over around a tipping point 310.

[0268] FIGS. 10A and 10B show the operating table 300 from the side and from the front, respectively. In FIG. 10A, the operating table 300 is in the lowered or locked position, i.e., the stand 14 rests on the floor so that the operating table 300 cannot be moved. In this position, the operating table 300 can tilt around the lower side edges of the stand 14, which face toward the floor.

[0269] In FIG. 10B, the operating table 300 is in the unlocked position, i.e., the operating table 300 stands on rollers 312 and can be moved on the floor. In this position, possible tipping points are provided by the rollers 312.

[0270] In principle, the operating table 300 is stable as long as the center of gravity COG of the total load lies within the footprint of the tipping points 310, i.e., directly above a surface delimited by the tipping points 310. This situation is illustrated in FIG. 11A. However, if the center of gravity COG of the total load is not directly above the footprint of the tipping points 310, as shown in FIG. 11B, the operating table 300 will tip over.

[0271] In one embodiment, the tipping prevention unit 114 ascertains a residual tipping torque M.sub.r at a tipping point 310 by multiplying the distance x.sub.1 between the tipping point 310 and the center of gravity COG of the total load by the total load. In FIGS. 11A and 11B, a force vector F as the total load and also the distance x.sub.1 between the force vector F and the tipping point 310 are shown. The residual tipping torque M.sub.r is therefore M.sub.r=F*X.sub.1. A positive value for the residual tipping torque M.sub.r means that the operating table 300 is stable with respect to this tipping point 310 (see FIG. 11A). As the distance x.sub.1 decreases, the residual tipping torque M.sub.r also decreases and the operating table 300 becomes less stable. If the residual tipping torque M.sub.r is negative, which means that the center of gravity COG and the force vector F are not directly above the surface bounded by the tipping points 310, the operating table 300 tips over (cf. FIG. 11B). The greater the value of the residual tipping torque M.sub.r, the more stable the operating table 300 is. A residual tipping torque threshold value is specified, which has a value of 225 Nm, for example. This means that the residual tipping torque is not to be less than 225 Nm. If the residual tipping torque threshold value is not reached, the operating table 300 can warn the user acoustically or visually. Other options are blocking movements or reducing the speed of the operating table 300.

[0272] Furthermore, the tipping prevention unit 114 can ascertain a respective residual tipping torque for all possible tipping points and compare each of these residual tipping torques to the residual tipping torque threshold value. If only one of the tipping torques falls below the residual tipping torque threshold value, the tipping prevention unit 114 can determine that there is an increased risk of tipping and appropriate measures can be taken.

[0273] A further embodiment for determining the risk of tipping is based on the stability requirements of norm 60601-1. Norm 60601-1 stipulates that the operating table 300 has to remain stable at an inclination of 5 degrees under all circumstances of the intended use and that it has to remain stable at an inclination of 10 degrees only for the defined transport position. This requirement can be implemented in a virtual 5 degree line 320 at each tipping point and a 10 degree line 322 at each tipping point having a roller 312, as shown in FIG. 12. The angles of 5 and 10 degrees can be called stability angles. Therefore, in some embodiments, there is a first angle of stability when the operating table is placed directly on the floor and a second, larger angle of stability when the operating table is in a transport position on rollers or wheels.

[0274] The stability angles (of, for example, 5 or 10 degrees) are determined by means of a specified normal vector 324. The normal vector 324 can be defined, for example, by the base plate of the stand 14 or the patient support surface 18 in the normal position, i.e., in the non-extended position. The normal vector 324 is aligned perpendicular to the base plate of the stand 14 or perpendicular to the patient support surface 18 in the normal position. Instead of the 5 or 10 degree stability angle with the normal vector 324, other suitable stability angles can be selected for the virtual lines 320, 322.

[0275] If the center of gravity COG of the total load violates, i.e., passes through, one of the virtual 5 degree lines 320, the operating table 300 can warn the user acoustically or visually. Other possibilities are partially or completely blocking functionalities or reducing the speed of the operating table 300. If one of the virtual 10 degree lines 322 is exceeded by the center of gravity COG, the motorized transport function of the operating table 300 can be blocked.

[0276] The virtual 5 degree lines 320 and the virtual 10 degree lines 322 each define a three-dimensional space. Typically, the walls of the three-dimensional space incline inward as one moves further up from the base of the 300 operating table, so that the center of gravity COG is more strongly limited laterally at a higher center of gravity COG than at a lower, closer-to-ground center of gravity COG. The inward-directed inclination of the walls of the three-dimensional space is determined by the stability angle. In one embodiment, the tipping prevention unit 114 can display a tipping risk if the center of gravity COG of the total load leaves one of the defined spaces.

[0277] FIG. 13 schematically shows an operating table 400 according to the disclosure, which is in many parts similar to the operating table 100 schematically shown in FIG. 2. Elements of the operating table 400 that are identical or similar to elements of the operating table 100 are provided with identical reference numerals.

[0278] The operating table 400 is an operating table according to the fifth aspect of the present application and can be operated using a method according to the sixth aspect.

[0279] The operating table 400 comprises a load sensor arrangement 102 having multiple load sensors, a load determination unit 104, and an overload prevention unit 116. The load determination unit 104 determines the active load and/or the center of gravity of the active load based on the forces measured by the force sensors. The overload protection unit 116 determines an overload protection signal 130 based on the active load and/or the center of gravity of the active load. The overload protection signal 130 indicates whether there is a risk of overload for the operating table 400 and/or at least one component of the operating table 400.

[0280] The overload protection unit 116 can recognize whether an accessory or a configuration of accessories is not suitable for the load acting on the operating table 400. The overload protection unit 116 furthermore helps to maintain movement limits that apply to certain weight classes.

[0281] Accessories are usually approved for a patient weight. When a detection method is performed to recognize the accessories and the operating table 400 is thus informed of which accessories are attached, the overload protection unit 116 can check whether the measured weight does not exceed the weight limit for the accessory. If the weight limit of the operating table 400 or the accessory is exceeded, the operating table 400 can warn the user acoustically or visually. Other options are blocking movements or reducing the speed of the operating table 400.

[0282] The operating table 400 shown in FIG. 13 has as accessories a head section 402, a leg section 404, and two extension sections 406, which are connected to a main support surface section 408 in the configuration shown. For each of the accessories a maximum load capacity is indicated in FIG. 13. The head section 402 has a maximum load capacity of 250 kg, the leg section 404 has a maximum load capacity of 135 kg, each of the extension sections 406 has a maximum load capacity of 454 kg, and the entire operating table 400 has a maximum load capacity of 545 kg. The overload protection unit 116 can check whether one of the components is overloaded.

[0283] The accessory can also be overloaded if the configuration in which the accessories are connected to one another is not suitable for the active load. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, three extension sections 406 can be cascaded one behind another. Although each of the extension sections 406 is individually suitable for a load of 454 kg, a combination 410 of three extension sections 406 is only suitable for 155 kg. Therefore, in some embodiments, the permissible weight for the table configuration is determined in consideration of a plurality of extension sections 406 connected to the operating table, wherein the addition of more extension sections 406 reduces the permissible weight for the overall table configuration in comparison to configurations having fewer extension sections 406.

[0284] Knowing the active load and the configuration of the operating table 400, the overload protection unit 116 can determine whether or not the permissible weight for the configuration 410 is exceeded. If the permissible weight is exceeded, the operating table 400 can warn the user acoustically or visually. Other options are blocking movements or reducing the speed of the operating table 400.

[0285] It is also conceivable that an overload situation is caused by incorrect positioning of the patient. For example, in FIG. 15A the case is shown that the patient is sitting on the head section 402 and the center of gravity of the entire patient is above the head section 402. Although the accessory 402 is suitable for use with patients weighing 380 kg, the accessory 402 is intended only as a headrest, i.e., sitting on it is not permitted.

[0286] The overload protection unit 116 can check the load and its center of gravity. The overload protection unit 116 can recognize whether the patient is incorrectly positioned and whether an accessory or configuration of accessories or the entire operating table 400 is overloaded.

[0287] Furthermore, the overload protection unit 116 can also determine overload risks for certain sections or areas of the patient support surface 18. In FIG. 15A, the patient support surface 18 is divided by way of example into different areas for which maximum load capacities of 155 kg, 250 kg, and 55 kg apply. The overload protection unit 116 checks in which area the center of gravity of the active load is located and compares the active load to the overload threshold value specified for this area, i.e., the maximum load capacity. If the active load exceeds the maximum load capacity specified for this area, the overload protection unit 116 can generate the overload protection signal 130 such that it indicates a risk of overload.

[0288] FIG. 15B shows a refinement of the operating table 400 shown in FIG. 15A. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 15B, the front part of the patient support surface 18 comprising the head section 402 is not divided into different regions, each with a constant overload threshold value; instead, a straight line 420 is provided which extends along the front part of the patient support surface 18. The straight line 420 specifies a respective overload threshold value for each point of the front part of the patient support surface 18. Towards the head end of the patient support surface 18, the overload threshold value becomes smaller. The line 420 is defined by F/M.sub.threshold value, wherein F is the force at the center of gravity COG of the active load and M.sub.threshold value is a constant.

[0289] During operation, the overload protection unit 116 checks at which point on the patient support surface 18 the center of gravity of the active load is located and compares the active load with the overload threshold value specified for this determined point. If the active load exceeds the maximum load capacity specified for this area, the overload protection unit 116 can generate the overload protection signal 130 such that it indicates a risk of overload.

[0290] Another overload situation occurs when drives of the operating table 400 are overloaded and the operating table 400 cannot return to its original position. This happens, for example, when movement restrictions are not observed. As an example, FIG. 16 shows an extreme longitudinal displacement and Trendelenburg position in combination with a heavy patient. This may be a position from which the operating table 400 cannot return to its starting position because the drives for the longitudinal translation and the Trendelenburg drives are overloaded. In particular, the Trendelenburg drives cannot apply the torque generated by the force F.sub.measured. In addition, the drives for longitudinal displacement cannot generate the longitudinal force F.sub.longitudinal.

[0291] The overload protection unit 116 can ascertain the load of each drive based on the measured load and/or the center of gravity of the measured load. For each drive there is a load limit that is not to be exceeded. If this limit is exceeded, the user is warned. Other options are blocking movements of the overloaded drives or reducing the speed of the operating table 400.

[0292] FIG. 17 schematically shows an operating table 500 having accessories or support surface sections arranged in different stages or levels. In the configuration shown in FIG. 17, the operating table 500 has levels 1, 2 and 3.

[0293] On the right side of a main support surface section 501, two intermediate sections 502, 503 are fastened one behind the other in levels 1 and 2, respectively. End sections 504, 505 are attached to the intermediate section 503 in level 3. On the left side of the main support surface section 501 there is an intermediate section 506 in level 1. On the side of the intermediate section 506 facing away from the main support surface section 501, end sections 507, 508 are fastened in level 2.

[0294] Furthermore, FIG. 17 shows a stand 509 for placing the operating table 500 on a surface and an operating table column 510 fastened to the stand 509, to the upper end of which the main support surface section 501 is fastened.

[0295] FIG. 18 schematically shows a patient support surface 600 according to the disclosure, which can in particular be part of a system for determining and displaying restrictions on the operation of an operating table. The patient support surface 600 can, for example, be fastened to the operating table column 510 of the operating table 500 of FIG. 17. The patient support surface 600 consists of a main support surface section 601, two intermediate sections 602, 603, and two end sections 604, 605.

[0296] The patient support surface 600 is a patient support surface according to the seventh aspect and according to the twelfth aspect of the present application. The patient support surface 600 can be operated using a method according to the eleventh aspect or using a method according to the fourteenth aspect. Together with the stand 509 and the operating table column 501 from FIG. 17, the patient support surface 600 can form an operating table according to the eighth aspect or an operating table system according to the thirteenth aspect. The main support surface section 601 is a main support surface section according to the ninth aspect and the intermediate sections 602, 603 and the end sections 604, 605 are secondary support surface sections according to the tenth aspect of the present application.

[0297] The intermediate sections 602, 603 are directly connected to the main support surface section 601, while the end sections 604, 605 are each coupled to one of the intermediate sections 602, 603 and are thus indirectly connected to the main support surface section 601.

[0298] When the intermediate sections 602, 603 and the end sections 604, 605 are connected to the main support surface section 601, pieces of information are transmitted from the intermediate sections 602, 603 and the end sections 604, 605 to the main support surface section 601. The transmitted pieces of information indicate the nature or type of the respective secondary support surface section, i.e., the pieces of information indicate whether the respective secondary support surface section from which the transmitted information originates is, for example, a head, leg, or intermediate section.

[0299] The pieces of information received from the intermediate sections 602, 603 and the end sections 604, 605 are passed on to an evaluation unit 606 integrated in the main support surface section 601. Alternatively, the evaluation unit 606 can also be integrated into another component of the system. Based on the pieces of information, the evaluation unit 606 can determine which secondary support surface sections and in particular in which order or configuration the secondary support surface sections are connected to the main support surface section 601. The configuration of the patient support surface 600 can be displayed on a display 607 or generally a display unit. For example, the display 607 can be integrated into a remote control, a display screen on a wall, a display screen on a ceiling arm, the patient support surface 600, or another component of the operating table system.

[0300] The respective pieces of information are transmitted from the end sections 604, 605 via the respective intermediate sections 602 and 603 to the main support surface section 601. An interface 609 is located between the main support surface section 601 and a first side 608 of the intermediate section 602, which faces toward the main support surface section 601. Correspondingly, an interface 611 is located between the main support surface section 601 and a first side 610 of the intermediate section 603, which faces toward the main support surface section 601. The respective pieces of information are transmitted to the main support surface section 601 via the interfaces 609, 611 by means of electrical signals, e.g., current and/or voltage signals.

[0301] On their first sides 608, 610, the intermediate sections 602, 603 each have an electrical contact unit having contacts 615 and 616, respectively. Furthermore, the main support surface section 601 has electrical contact units having contacts 617 and 618, respectively, at the interfaces 609, 611. When the intermediate sections 602, 603 are connected to the main support surface section 601, the electrical contacts 615, 617 and the electrical contacts 616, 618 touch one another and each form an electrical contact which makes it possible to transmit the respective pieces of information to the main support surface section 601 by means of the electrical signals via the interface 609 or 611. Furthermore, the intermediate sections 602, 603 can be supplied with power from the main support surface section 601 via the described electrical contacts.

[0302] On the second sides 620, 621, which face away from the first sides 608 and 610, respectively, the intermediate sections 602, 603 each further have a further electrical contact unit having contacts 622 and 623, respectively. These electrical contact units make it possible to couple further intermediate sections (not shown in FIG. 18) to the intermediate sections 602, 603 and to supply the respective pieces of information from the further intermediate sections to the intermediate sections 602, 603 by means of electrical signals in order to then pass them on to the main support surface section 601. The other intermediate sections not shown in FIG. 18 can have the same structure as the intermediate sections 602, 603.

[0303] Furthermore, a control unit 624 or 625 is integrated into the intermediate sections 602, 603, which makes it possible to transmit the pieces of information to the main support surface section 601. Furthermore, the pieces of information about the intermediate section 602 or 603 can also be stored in the respective control unit 624, 625 or a storage unit connected thereto.

[0304] From the end sections 604, 605, the pieces of information concerning the end sections 604, 605 are transmitted to the intermediate sections 602 and 603, respectively, with the aid of radio signals. For this purpose, the end sections 604, 605 and the intermediate sections 602, 603 have respective radio transmission units. The radio transmission units are designed as RFID transponders 630 and 631 in the end sections 604, 605 and as RFID readers 632 and 633 in the intermediate sections 602, 603. The pieces of information concerning the end sections 604, 605 can be stored in the respective RFID transponder 630, 631 or a storage unit connected thereto.

[0305] In order to be compatible with components that do not have electrical contact units for wired transmission of pieces of information, the intermediate sections 602, 603 each contain an RFID transponder 635 or 636 at the interfaces 609, 610 and the main support surface section 601 contains corresponding RFID readers 637, 638. Thus, the pieces of information from the intermediate sections 602, 603 can also be transmitted to the main support surface section 601 by the RFID readers 637, 638 reading the respective information from the RFID transponders 635, 636.

[0306] For example, this disclosure comprises arrangements of the patient support surface 600 in which one or more intermediate sections 602, 603 each comprise one or more electrical contacts 615, 616, 622, 623, wherein each electrical contact 615, 616, 622, 623 can be arranged on two opposite sides of the intermediate sections 602, 603. This disclosure also comprises those arrangements of the patient support surface 600 in which one or more end sections 604, 605 can be connected to the one or more intermediate sections 602, 603, wherein each end section 604, 605 comprises a corresponding radio transmission unit 630, 631 for sending signals to the intermediate sections 602, 603, but wherein at least some of the end sections 604, 605 do not comprise electrical contacts.

[0307] In the above examples and with reference to FIG. 18, the end sections 604, 605 can be two separately movable leg supports, each having its own radio transmission unit 630, 631.

[0308] FIGS. 19A to 19D and 20A to 20D schematically show a patient support surface 700 according to the disclosure, which is a refinement of the patient support surfaces 600 shown in FIG. 18.

[0309] The patient support surface 700 has a main support surface section 701, two intermediate sections 702, 703, and an end section 704 in the form of a headrest. In FIGS. 19A to 19D, the patient support surface 700 is shown in the assembled state, while in FIGS. 20A to 20D, the support surface sections of the patient support surface 700 are separated from one another.

[0310] In FIGS. 19A and 20A, the patient support surface 700 is shown in perspective and in FIGS. 19B and 20B in a top view from below. FIGS. 19C and 20C show the patient support surface 700 in cross section along a line A-A or B-B shown in FIGS. 19B and 20B. FIGS. 19D and 20D show enlargements of details 705 and 706, respectively, which are marked in FIGS. 19C and 20C.

[0311] Connecting elements designed as male assemblies 710 or female assemblies 711 are used for the detachable mechanical connection of the support surface sections, wherein the male assemblies 710 fastened to one support surface section can be plugged into complementary receiving openings of the female assemblies 711 on another support surface section.

[0312] The main support surface section 701 has two female assemblies 711 on each of two opposite sides. The intermediate sections 702, 703 each have two male assemblies 710 on one side and two female assemblies 711 on the opposite side. The end section 704 includes two male assemblies 710 on one side. Generally speaking, one can imagine that the intermediate sections 702, 703 can have one or more male assemblies on a first side and one or more female assemblies on an opposite second side. The one or more male assemblies can be elongated, rigid, and/or weight-bearing structures.

[0313] The intermediate section 702 can be fastened on the main support surface section 701 by inserting the two male assemblies 710 arranged on one side of the intermediate section 702 into a pair of female assemblies 711 of the main support surface section 701. Similarly, the intermediate section 703 can be fastened on the intermediate section 702 and the end section 704 can be fastened on the intermediate section 703 by inserting the two respective male assemblies 710 into a pair of female assemblies 711.

[0314] Details of the examples of the male and female assemblies 710, 711 are explained below with reference to FIGS. 21A to 21D, which show the intermediate section 702 as an example. FIG. 21A shows the intermediate section 702 in perspective in a view of the male assemblies 710. FIG. 21B shows an enlargement of a detail 715 marked in FIG. 21A. FIG. 21C shows the intermediate section 702 in perspective in a view of the female assemblies 711. FIG. 21D shows an enlargement of a detail 716 marked in FIG. 21C.

[0315] As shown in particular in FIG. 21B, the male assemblies 710 are elongated and have at their distal end three contacts 720 which belong to the electrical contact unit of the respective male assembly 710. Generally, the male assemblies 710 comprise one or more electrical contacts 720, which are preferably aligned so that they contact the corresponding contacts 721 in the female assembly 711 in the assembled state. Furthermore, the female assemblies 711 also comprise three contacts 721, which form the electrical contact unit of the respective female assembly 711. Generally, the female assemblies 711 comprise one or more electrical contacts 721, preferably on an inner surface, which are preferably oriented so they are in contact with the corresponding contacts 720 on the male assembly 710 in the assembled state. The contacts 720 and 721 are arranged such that the contacts 720, 721 touch one another when the corresponding male assembly 710 is plugged into the female assembly 711. Embodiments are also conceivable in which each interface has only one pair of male assemblies 710 and female assemblies 711 having electrical contacts 720, 721 and one or more additional pairs of male assemblies 710 and female assemblies 711 do not contain electrical contacts and have only a physical connection and/or support function.

[0316] In order to ensure reliable interface locking and in particular to establish an electrical connection between the contacts 720, 721, one or more contacts 720, 721 can be spring-loaded. For example, the contacts 720 of the male assembly 710 can be integrated into a spring-loaded cylinder 725 or into a spring-loaded sleeve. FIG. 20D shows the cylinder 725, at the right end of which the contacts 720 are located. The cylinder 725 is guided in a recess 726 of the male assembly 710. Furthermore, at least the left part of the cylinder 725 is hollow and a spring 727 is located in the cavity. The right end of the spring 727 is fastened or supported on the cylinder 727 and the left end is fastened or supported on the male assembly 710 or a component connected thereto. Due to the spring tension of the spring 727, the cylinder 725 is pressed out of the recess 726 in the unloaded state. The secure contact between the contacts 720, 721 is also implemented by the integration of three spring contact pins in the female assembly 711.

[0317] When the male assembly 710 is plugged into the corresponding female assembly 711, the spring 727 is compressed, as shown in FIG. 19D. The interaction of the spring 727 and a small spring in the recess 726 causes the locking bolt to be displaced and the locking ball to be pushed outwards.

[0318] It was described above in connection with FIG. 18 that the evaluation unit 606 of the patient support surface 600 shown in FIG. 18 can determine, based on the electrical signals transmitted via the interfaces 609 and 611, which secondary support surface sections are connected to the main support surface section 601 and in particular in which order or configuration the secondary support surface sections are arranged. The type of the secondary support surface sections connected to the main support surface section 601 and their configuration impose restrictions that have to or should be observed when operating the patient support surface 600. The restrictions can, for example, relate to the mobility of the patient support surface 600 and in particular to the adjustability and extendability of the secondary support surface sections. Depending on which secondary support surface sections and in which configuration these secondary support surface sections are connected to the main support surface section 601, other restrictions may arise regarding the adjustability and extendability of the secondary support surface sections.

[0319] Alternatively, the system can also be used to determine and warn of limitations for table systems in which the table parts are not interchangeable and do not need to be ascertained or determined for each procedure.

[0320] The evaluation unit 606 can generate pieces of information about restrictions on the operation of the patient support surface 600 based on the knowledge of which secondary support surface sections are connected to the main support surface section 601 and, if applicable, in which order. The display 607 can display the restrictions, for example, in text form and/or graphically.

[0321] The restrictions can also depend on the weight of the patient. If the weight of the patient is not known, the pieces information generated by the evaluation unit 606 may indicate the restrictions depending on the weight of the patient. For example, individual restrictions can be mentioned for different weight ranges.

[0322] If the weight of the patient and/or the load acting on the patient support surface 600 are known, the evaluation unit 606 can take this information into consideration to generate pieces of information in which the restrictions relate to the weight of the patient and/or the load acting on the patient support surface 600.

[0323] For example, the limitations or restrictions can include some or all of the following: longitudinal displacement of the entire patient support surface 600, Trendelenburg tilt of the entire patient support surface 600, lateral tilt of the entire patient support surface 600, movement of individual joints or secondary support surface sections 602 to 605 within the patient support surface 600; or restrictions or conditions can comprise determining that a specific configuration of the support surface sections 601 to 605 is not permitted for certain weight ranges or above a weight limit. The restrictions or conditions can also include determining that a certain type of movement is completely prohibited.

[0324] The patient support surface 600 shown in FIG. 18 has an input unit 650 into which the operator can enter the weight of a patient supported or to be supported on the patient support surface 600. The input unit 650 can, for example, be integrated into a remote control or another component of the system. Alternatively or additionally, a load determination unit can be integrated into the patient support surface 600 and/or the column or base of the associated operating table, which determines the load acting on the patient support surface 600 and in particular the weight of the patient supported on the patient support surface 600. For example, the load sensor arrangement 102 and the load determination unit 104 shown in FIG. 2 can be used for this purpose.

[0325] FIG. 22 shows a flow chart of a method 800 that the evaluation unit 606 can use to determine the pieces of information about the restrictions on the operation of the operating table.

[0326] After the method has started, it is queried in decision step 801 whether the operating table and/or the patient support surface 600 have a load determination unit, using which the load acting on the patient support surface 600 and in particular the weight of the patient can be determined. If this is the case, the method proceeds to decision step 802, otherwise to decision step 803.

[0327] In decision step 802, it is checked whether a patient is located on the patient support surface 600. If so, the method proceeds to decision step 804, otherwise to decision step 803.

[0328] Decision step 804 examines whether an evaluation unit is present which can detect the secondary support surface sections connected to the main support surface section 601. If such an evaluation unit is present, the method proceeds to step 805, otherwise to step 806.

[0329] In step 805, the evaluation unit 606 generates the pieces of information about restrictions on the operation of the patient support surface 600, which specifically relate to the ascertained weight of the patient and/or the load acting on the patient support surface 600. The display 607 can display these pieces of information.

[0330] In step 806, the user is prompted to specify the accessories used, in particular the secondary support surface sections connected to the main support surface section 601, for example by scanning. Thereafter, the method 800 proceeds to step 805.

[0331] In decision step 803, as in decision step 804, it is examined whether an evaluation unit is present which can detect the secondary support surface sections connected to the main support surface section 601. If yes, the method 800 proceeds to decision step 807, otherwise to step 808.

[0332] In decision step 807, it is checked whether the user has entered the patient weight into the input unit 650. If so, the method 800 proceeds to step 805, otherwise to step 809.

[0333] In step 809, the evaluation unit 606 generates the pieces of information about the restrictions on the operation of the patient support surface 600 for different weight ranges. The display 607 can display these pieces of information.

[0334] Step 808 corresponds to step 806, i.e., the user is asked to specify the accessories used, in particular the secondary support surface sections connected to the main support surface section 601. Thereafter, the method 800 proceeds to decision step 807.

[0335] FIGS. 23A and 23B show exemplary graphics that the display 607 can display. The pieces of information displayed were generated in step 809 of the method 800 shown in FIG. 22 and indicate the restrictions on the operation of the patient support surface 600 for various ranges of the patient weight.

[0336] While the patient support surface 600 shown in FIG. 18 uses electrical signals to transmit the pieces of information from the secondary support surface sections to the main support surface section 601, the patient support surface 900 according to the disclosure schematically shown in FIG. 24 uses optical signals instead of electrical signals to transmit information. The patient support surface 900 contains a main support surface section 902 and three secondary support surface sections 904, 906, 908 which are detachably connected to the main support surface section 902.

[0337] The secondary support surface sections 904, 906 are intermediate sections, and the secondary support surface section 908 is an end section.

[0338] The secondary support surface section 908 is arranged as an end section in a level 3, whereas the secondary support surface section 906 is arranged in a level 2 and the secondary support surface section 904 is arranged in a level 1. For example, the secondary support surface section 908 may be a head or leg section and the secondary support surface sections 904, 906 may be intermediate or extension sections, respectively.

[0339] In FIG. 24, only secondary support surface sections are shown, which are arranged on one side of the main support surface section 902. In addition, secondary support surface sections can also be arranged on another side of the main support surface section 902, which are not shown in FIG. 24.

[0340] The main support surface section 902 has an interface 910 on its lower side, using which the main support surface section 902 can be coupled to an operating table column.

[0341] Furthermore, the main support surface section 902 contains one or more connecting elements 914 on a lateral surface 912. The secondary support surface sections 904, 906 each also have one or more connecting elements 914 on two opposite lateral surfaces 916, 918 and 920, 922, respectively. The secondary support surface section 908 has one or more connecting elements 914 only on one lateral surface 924. The connecting elements 914 are designed such that they can mechanically connect the main support surface section 902 and the secondary support surface sections 904, 906, 908 to one another. Furthermore, the connecting elements 914 are designed to be detachable in order to be able to detach the mechanical connection between the main support surface section 902 and the secondary support surface sections 904, 906, 908 if necessary.

[0342] The main support surface section 902 contains a light source 930 that emits white light and three detector elements 932, 933, 934 that can detect light at least in the visible range. A control and evaluation unit 936 integrated in the main support surface section 902 is electrically coupled to the light source 930 and the detector elements 932, 933, 934. The control and evaluation unit 936 is used to control the light source 930 and the detector elements 932, 933, 934 and to evaluate the light detected by the detector elements 932, 933, 934. The detector elements 932, 933, 934 transmit electrical signals containing pieces of information about the detected light to the control and evaluation unit 936.

[0343] An interface 938 on the lateral surface 912 of the main support surface section 902 provides connections (not shown) for the light source 930 and the detector elements 932, 933, 934. The light source 930 and the detector elements 932, 933, 934 can be connected directly to the interface 938 or light guides can lead from the interface 938 to the light source 930 and the detector elements 932, 933, 934.

[0344] The secondary support surface section 904 includes a light guide 940 that leads from the lateral surface 916 to the lateral surface 918. A beam splitter 941 is integrated into the light guide 940, which couples light from the light guide 940 into a light guide 942. The light guide 942 leads to the lateral surface 916. Furthermore, an optical filter 943 designed as a marking element is arranged at the end of the light guide 942, which is designed such that it only allows light in the red spectral range to pass through. Furthermore, light guides 944, 945 lead from the lateral surface 918 to the lateral surface 916. Interfaces 946 and 947 are arranged on the lateral surfaces 916, 918, which each provide connections for the light guides 940, 942, 944, 945.

[0345] The secondary support surface section 906 is constructed similarly to the secondary support surface section 904. The secondary support surface section 906 includes a light guide 950 that leads from the lateral surface 920 to the lateral surface 922. A beam splitter 951 is integrated into the light guide 950, which couples light from the light guide 950 into a light guide 952. The light guide 952 leads to the lateral surface 920. Furthermore, an optical filter 953 designed as a marking element is arranged at the end of the light guide 952, which is designed such that it only allows light in the green spectral range to pass through. Furthermore, light guides 954, 955 lead from the lateral surface 922 to the lateral surface 920. Interfaces 956 and 957 are arranged on the lateral surfaces 920, 922, which each provide connections for the light guides 950, 952, 954, 955.

[0346] The secondary support surface section 908 contains a light guide 960 which couples an input located on the lateral surface 924 to an output likewise arranged on the lateral surface 924. Furthermore, an optical filter 961 designed as a marking element is arranged at the end of the light guide 960, which is designed such that it only allows light in the blue spectral range to pass through. An interface 962 which provides connections for the input and output of the light guide 960 is also arranged on the lateral surface 924.

[0347] When the main support surface section 902 and the secondary support surface sections 904, 906, 908 are fastened to one another via the connecting elements 914, the interfaces 938, 946 or 947, 956 or 957, 962 are each connected to one another in pairs. The interfaces 938, 946, 947, 956, 957, 962 are designed such that various components described below are coupled to one another.

[0348] In detail, the light source 930 is coupled to the light guides 940, 950, 960. The light guides 940, 950, 960 form a common light guide path which guides the white light generated by the light source 930 to the secondary support surface sections 904, 906, 908. Furthermore, the interfaces 938, 946, 947, 956, 957, 962 are designed such that the red light transmitted by the optical filter 943 is guided to the detector element 932, the green light transmitted by the optical filter 953 is guided to the detector element 933 via a separate light guide path formed by the light guide 944, and the blue light transmitted by the optical filter 961 is guided to the detector element 934 via a separate light guide path formed by the light guides 945, 954. The propagation direction of the light within the patient support surface 900 is shown by arrows in FIG. 24.

[0349] In operation of the patient support surface 900, the light source 930 generates white light, which is guided to the secondary support surface sections 904, 906, 908 through the common light guide path formed by the light guides 940, 950, 960. A part of the light is decoupled from the common light guide path by the beam splitters 941, 951 and guided to the optical filters 943, 953 arranged in the secondary support surface sections 904, 906. The part of the white light generated by the light source 930 remaining in the common light guide path is guided by the light guide 960 to the optical filter 961 arranged in the secondary support surface section 908.

[0350] The optical filters 943, 953, 961 only allow the respective spectral range to pass through. The red light transmitted by the optical filter 943 is guided to the detector element 932. The green light transmitted by the optical filter 953 is guided to the detector element 933. The blue light transmitted by the optical filter 961 is guided to the detector element 934.

[0351] The detector elements 932, 933, 934 detect the light transmitted by the respective optical filters 943, 953, 961 and transmit corresponding electrical signals to the control and evaluation unit 936.

[0352] The control and evaluation unit 936 carries out an evaluation of the received electrical signals and the pieces of information contained therein. Based on the red, green, or blue light detected by the detector elements 932, 933, 934, the control and evaluation unit 936 determines that the secondary support surface sections 904, 906, 908 are connected to the main support surface section 902. Since the detector elements 932, 933, 934 in this order have detected the red, green, and blue light, respectively, the control and evaluation unit 936 can additionally determine that the secondary support surface sections 904, 906, 908 are connected in this order to the main support surface section 902. The control and evaluation unit 936 can generate therefrom pieces of information about restrictions on the operation of the patient support surface 900 and pass on these pieces of information to a display which displays the pieces of information.

[0353] The various structures and functions described herein are intended for possible use together in particularly preferred embodiments. The structures and functions are considered to be disclosed in their various possible combinations and subcombinations. This disclosure comprises medical tables and operating tables, patient support surfaces and tabletops for medical use, systems including remote controls and display screens for use with operating tables and patient support surfaces, individual modular components (support surface sections) for forming portions of patient support surfaces, and methods for the use thereof. The disclosure also comprises various disclosed approaches for determining which components (support surface sections) are included in a patient support surface, each of which can be used with various approaches for determining patient weights, and each of which can be used to limit table movements, prevent tipping, prevent overloading, and/or display pieces of information to the operator regarding the limits of table movements.