PATIENT SUPPORT OVERLOAD OR OBSTRUCTION DETECTION
First Claim
1. A bed comprising:
- a bed frame;
a backrest pivotable with respect to the bed frame;
a backrest actuator connecting the backrest to the bed frame, the backrest actuator configured to raise and lower the backrest with respect to the bed frame;
an actuator sensor positioned to sense movement of the backrest actuator;
a backrest sensor positioned to sense movement of the backrest; and
a controller coupled to the backrest actuator, the actuator sensor, and the backrest sensor, the controller configured to stop the backrest actuator from raising the backrest in response to a characteristic signal from the actuator sensor, the controller further configured to stop the backrest actuator from lowering the backrest in response to characteristic signals from both the actuator sensor and the backrest sensor.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A patient support device, such as a bed, includes a frame, a backrest or other platform movable with respect to the frame, and an actuator connecting the backrest to the frame. The actuator is configured to raise and lower, or otherwise move, the backrest or platform with respect to the frame. An actuator sensor is provided to sense movement of the actuator. A backrest sensor is provided to sense movement of the backrest. A controller is coupled to the actuator, the actuator sensor, and the backrest sensor. The controller is configured to stop the actuator from raising the backrest in response to a characteristic signal from the actuator sensor. The controller is further configured to stop the actuator from lowering the backrest in response to at least a characteristic signal from the backrest sensor. The characteristic signals are defined to prevent the backrest or platform from moving when obstructed or overloaded in order to reduce the chance of damage or injury.
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Citations
27 Claims
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1. A bed comprising:
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a bed frame; a backrest pivotable with respect to the bed frame; a backrest actuator connecting the backrest to the bed frame, the backrest actuator configured to raise and lower the backrest with respect to the bed frame; an actuator sensor positioned to sense movement of the backrest actuator; a backrest sensor positioned to sense movement of the backrest; and a controller coupled to the backrest actuator, the actuator sensor, and the backrest sensor, the controller configured to stop the backrest actuator from raising the backrest in response to a characteristic signal from the actuator sensor, the controller further configured to stop the backrest actuator from lowering the backrest in response to characteristic signals from both the actuator sensor and the backrest sensor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A bed comprising:
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a bed frame; a backrest pivotable with respect to the bed frame; a backrest actuator connecting the backrest to the bed frame, the backrest actuator configured to raise and lower the backrest with respect to the bed frame; an actuator sensor positioned to sense movement of the backrest actuator; a backrest sensor positioned to sense movement of the backrest; and a controller coupled to the backrest actuator, the actuator sensor, and the backrest sensor, the controller configured to stop the backrest actuator from raising the backrest in response to a characteristic signal from the actuator sensor, the controller further configured to stop the backrest actuator from lowering the backrest in response to a characteristic signal from the backrest sensor.
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17. A patient support comprising:
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a frame; a platform movable with respect to the frame, the platform configured to at least partially support a patient; an actuator connecting the platform to the frame, the actuator configured to move the platform with respect to the frame; an actuator sensor positioned to sense movement of the actuator; a platform sensor positioned to sense movement of the platform; and a controller coupled to the actuator, the actuator sensor, and the platform sensor, the controller configured to stop the actuator from moving the platform in a first direction in response to a characteristic signal from the actuator sensor, the controller further configured to stop the actuator from moving the platform in a second direction in response to characteristic signals from both the actuator sensor and the platform sensor.
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18. A controller configured to be coupled to an actuator of a moveable platform of a patient support, an actuator sensor, and a platform sensor positioned to detect movement of the platform, the controller comprising:
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a memory storing an actuator program; a processor coupled to the memory and configured to execute the actuator program, the program causing the processor to stop the actuator from raising the platform in response to a characteristic signal from the actuator sensor, the controller further configured to stop the actuator from lowering the platform in response to characteristic signals from both the actuator sensor and the platform sensor.
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19. A method of operating a bed, the method comprising:
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receiving a command to move a backrest of the bed; moving the backrest according to the command using an actuator; determining a speed of movement of the backrest; determining a speed of movement of the actuator; and in response to a condition in which the speed of movement of the backrest is lower than an expected speed of the backrest and the speed of movement the actuator is lower than an expected speed of the actuator, stopping the actuator. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22)
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23. A method of operating a bed, the method comprising:
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receiving a command to move a backrest of the bed; moving the backrest according to the command using an actuator; determining that a signal from a sensor positioned at the backrest to determine the speed of movement of the backrest is unacceptable; determining a speed of movement of the actuator; and in response to a condition in which the speed of movement the actuator is lower than an expected speed of the actuator, stopping the actuator. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25, 26)
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27. A patient support device having a moveable platform coupled with an actuator, the device having an obstruction or overload detection system for the platform, the system comprising a linear position sensor, a movement sensor and/or a load sensor interfaced with a controller for the actuator.
Specification