Patient support apparatus and controls therefor

摘要

A patient support apparatus system includes sensors adapted to sense a gesture of a person, or forces exerted by the person on the patient support apparatus, and to control the movement of a component of the patient support apparatus based on the gesture or forces. The movement of the patient support apparatus matches the direction of the person's gesture or applied forces. The speed of the gesture and magnitude of the applied force also influence the movement of the patient support apparatus component. The controlled movement may be the upward and downward motion of a patient support deck on the patient support apparatus, or it may be the pivoting of a section of the patient support deck, or it may be other movement. Control of the patient support apparatus is carried out based on the intent of the user, as evidenced by the user's gesture or applied forces.

主权项

1. A patient support apparatus comprising:
a base; a frame positioned above said base; a patient support surface supported on the frame, said patient support surface adapted to support a patient; a plurality of force sensors adapted to detect forces exerted on the patient support surface; a sensor adapted to detect a presence of an authorized individual within a vicinity of the patient support apparatus; an actuator adapted to physically move a component of the patient support apparatus when actuated; a control panel having a control for controlling the actuator; and a controller in communication with the plurality of force sensors, the control panel, the sensor, and the actuator, said controller adapted to actuate said actuator in response to the forces detected by the plurality of force sensors only if the sensor detects the presence of the authorized individual, and said controller further adapted to actuate said actuator in response to the control regardless of the presence of the authorized individual.