WO2024112845A1

WO2024112845A1 - Systems for electrically connecting patient support apparatuses to facilities

Info

Publication number: WO2024112845A1
Application number: PCT/US2023/080840
Authority: WO
Inventors: Megan BAIR; William Dwight CHILDS; Anish Paul; Connor Feldpausch ST. JOHN; Charles Donald BAKER; Madhu Sandeep THOTA; Celso Henrique FARNESE PIRES PEREIRA; Emil MASHEV; Nick BRAJAK
Original assignee: Stryker Corporation
Priority date: 2022-11-22
Filing date: 2023-11-22
Publication date: 2024-05-30

Abstract

A patient support system is provided. The patient support system includes a patient support apparatus and a facility interface. The patient support apparatus includes a support structure with a patient support deck defining a patient support surface, a battery operatively attached to the support structure, a powered device to perform a powered function of the patient support apparatus, a control system to operate the powered device with power from the battery, and an apparatus connector. The apparatus connector includes an apparatus magnetic element and an apparatus terminal disposed in electrical communication with the control system. The facility interface is configured to provide an external power source to charge the battery of the patient support apparatus. The facility interface includes an interface connector having a shield, an interface magnetic element, and an interface terminal disposed in electrical communication with the external power source.

Description

SYSTEMS FOR ELECTRICALLY CONNECTING

PATIENT SUPPORT APPARATUSES TO FACILITIES

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The subject patent application claims priority to and all the benefits of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/427,211 filed on November 22, 2022, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/542,025 filed on October 2, 2023, the disclosures of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventional patient support apparatuses typically have one or more components that require electrical power. Such components include actuators, such as motors, pumps, and the like, as well as sensors, user interfaces, and control circuitry that oversees the operation of the one or more actuators. For example, modern hospital beds often include one or more user interfaces that allow a caregiver to control the movement of various portions of the bed, as well as to set alerts, and to monitor conditions of the bed (such as whether a patient has exited the bed or not). Rechargeable batteries may be employed for operating powered devices of patient support apparatuses. Here, a charger may be provided on the patient support apparatus to facilitate charging the battery via an electrical tether that is plugged into an AC power outlet, and AC power may also be utilized to operate powered devices. Additional tethers, cables, and the like may also be utilized to facilitate communication with various external systems, such as nurse call systems, communication interfaces, networks, and the like.

[0003] Conventional tethers, cables, and the like generally rely on mechanical connections to resist separation (e.g., a plug-and-socket friction coupling). It will be appreciated that users sometimes forget that tethers and cables are plugged in, and may attempt to move the patient support apparatus, which can damage various components. Furthermore, depending on the specific configuration of the patient support apparatus and the cables and/or tethers, a risk of inadvertent electrical contact with power terminals may occur during the process of connecting or disconnecting the cables and/or tethers.

[0004] While patient support apparatuses have generally performed well for their intended purpose, there remains a need in the art to overcome one or more of the challenges described above. SUMMARY

[0005] The present disclosure provides a patient support system including a patient support apparatus and a facility interface. The patient support apparatus includes a support structure with a patient support deck defining a patient support surface, a battery operatively attached to the support structure, a powered device to perform a powered function of the patient support apparatus, a control system to operate the powered device with power from the battery, and an apparatus interface. The apparatus interface includes an apparatus connector, an apparatus magnetic element, and an apparatus terminal disposed in electrical communication with the control system. The facility interface is configured for providing selective connection to an external power source to charge the battery of the patient support apparatus. The facility interface includes an interface connector having a shield, an interface magnetic element, and an interface terminal disposed in electrical communication with the external power source. The facility interface is operable between a retracted mode where the shield at least partially limits contact of the interface terminal with environmental objects, and an extended mode where the interface terminal is arranged relative to the shield for abutment with the apparatus terminal. Further, the interface connector changes operation from the retracted mode to the extended mode in response to magnetic attraction occurring between the apparatus magnetic element and the interface magnetic element to releasably couple the apparatus interface and the facility interface in a connected state with the apparatus terminal abutting the interface terminal to facilitate charging of the battery with the external power source.

[0006] The present disclosure also provides a patient support system including a facility interface disposed in electrical communication with a source of alternating current power and including: an interface connector supporting an interface magnetic element and a plurality of interface power terminals, and an infrastructure controller disposed in electrical communication with the plurality of interface power terminals and the source of alternating current power, the infrastructure controller being operable between: an active mode where the plurality of interface power terminals are electrically coupled to the source of alternating current power, and an interrupted mode where the plurality of interface power terminals are electrically decoupled from the source of alternating current power. A patient support apparatus includes a support structure with a patient support deck, a battery operatively attached to the support structure, a charger disposed in electrical communication with the battery, a powered device to perform a powered function of the patient support apparatus, and an apparatus interface including an apparatus connector supporting an apparatus magnetic element and a carrier, the carrier supporting a plurality of apparatus power terminals disposed in electrical communication with the charger, and the carrier being movable between an extended carrier position and a retracted carrier position; where contact occurring between the plurality of interface power terminals and the plurality of apparatus power terminals moves the carrier away from the extended carrier position and magnetic attraction occurring between the apparatus magnetic element and the interface magnetic element urges the carrier into the retracted carrier position to releasably couple the facility interface to the apparatus interface in a connected state; and where the infrastructure controller changes operation from the interrupted mode to the active mode in response to determining operation in the connected state to electrically couple the source of alternating current power with the charger to facilitate charging the battery.

[0007] The present disclosure also provides a patient support system including a patient support apparatus having a support structure with a patient support deck, a battery operatively attached to the support structure, a charger disposed in electrical communication with the battery, a powered device to perform a powered function of the patient support apparatus, and an apparatus interface including an apparatus connector having an apparatus connector face and supporting an apparatus magnetic element and an apparatus power terminal disposed in electrical communication with the charger and extending from the apparatus connector face to an apparatus terminal end. A facility interface is disposed in electrical communication with a source of alternating current power and including: an interface connector having an interface connector face and supporting an interface magnetic element and an interface power terminal electrically coupled to the source of alternating current power, the interface connector including a blocking recess defined in the interface connector face and having: a central region arranged to receive the apparatus power terminal along a terminal axis to releasably couple the apparatus interface and the facility interface in a connected state in response to magnetic attraction occurring between the apparatus magnetic element and the interface magnetic element with the apparatus power terminal abutting the interface power terminal to facilitate charging of the battery with the source of alternating current power, at least one blocking element extending towards the central region and spaced from the terminal axis to at least partially limit contact of the interface power terminal with environmental objects, and at least one relief region defined adjacent to the at least one blocking element and arranged in communication with the central region to accommodate at least a portion of the apparatus power terminal in response to external force acting on the interface connector in a direction transverse to the terminal axis and exceeding the magnetic attraction occurring between the apparatus magnetic element and the interface magnetic element to decouple the interface connector from the apparatus connector.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings.

[0009] Figure 1 is perspective view of a patient support apparatus having a base, a litter with a patient support deck, a lift mechanism, side rails, and an apparatus interface shown positioned adjacent to a facility interface coupled to a facility via a tether.

[0010] Figure 2 is an illustrative view of a control system of the patient support apparatus of Figure 1.

[0011] Figure 3A is a schematic right-side view of the patient support apparatus of Figure 1, shown with each of the side rails arranged in a raised position.

[0012] Figure 3B is another schematic right-side view of the patient support apparatus of Figure 3A, shown with a first side rail arranged in an intermediate position, and shown with a second side rail arranged in the raised position.

[0013] Figure 3C is another schematic right-side view of the patient support apparatus of Figures 3A-3B, shown with the first side rail arranged in a lowered position.

[0014] Figure 4A is another schematic right-side view of the patient support apparatus of Figures 3A-3C, shown with two of the side rails removed for illustrative purpose, and with the lift mechanism supporting the litter in a raised configuration.

[0015] Figure 4B is another schematic right-side view of the patient support apparatus of Figure 4A, shown with the lift mechanism supporting the litter in a lowered configuration.

[0016] Figure 5 is another schematic right-side view of the patient support apparatus of Figure 4B, shown with the patient support deck having a back section arranged in a fowler’s position with the second side rail coupled to the back section.

[0017] Figure 6 is another schematic right-side view of the patient support apparatus of Figure 5, shown with the lift mechanism supporting the litter in an inclined configuration.

[0018] Figure ? is a perspective view of the apparatus interface and the facility interface of Figure 1.

[0019] Figure 8 is another perspective view of the apparatus interface and the facility interface of Figure 7, shown with the apparatus connector spaced from and disposed in keyed alignment with the facility interface along an axis. [0020] Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of the apparatus interface and the facility interface of Figure 8, the apparatus interface shown including an apparatus connector with an apparatus terminal, and the facility interface shown including an interface connector having a shield and an interface terminal supported by a carriage.

[0021] Figure 10 is another exploded perspective view of the apparatus interface and the facility interface of Figure 9.

[0022] Figure 11 is an enlarged plan view of the apparatus interface and the facility interface of Figures 8-10 taken facing towards a back side of the apparatus interface arranged spaced from and in keyed alignment with the facility interface.

[0023] Figure 12A is sectional view of the facility interface and the apparatus interface taken along line 12- 12 of Figure 11 , shown with the facility interface spaced from the apparatus interface, and with the interface connector arranged in a retracted mode with the shield limiting external contact with the interface terminal.

[0024] Figure 12B is another sectional view of the facility interface and the apparatus interface of Figure 12A, shown with the facility interface having moved into initial engagement with the apparatus interface but with the interface connector still arranged in the retracted mode.

[0025] Figure 12C is another sectional view of the facility interface and the apparatus interface of Figures 12A-12B, shown with the facility interface having moved further into engagement with the apparatus interface, and shown with the interface connector beginning to move away from the retracted mode.

[0026] Figure 12D is another sectional view of the facility interface and the apparatus interface of Figures 12A-12C, shown with the facility interface releasably coupled to the apparatus interface in a connected state, and shown with the interface connector having moved into an extended mode beyond the shield and into abutment with the apparatus terminal.

[0027] Figure 13A is sectional view of the facility interface and the apparatus interface taken along line 13-13 of Figure 11, shown with the facility interface spaced from the apparatus interface and with the interface connector arranged in the retracted mode as depicted in Figure 12A.

[0028] Figure 13B is another sectional view of the facility interface and the apparatus interface of Figure 13 A, shown with the facility interface having moved into initial engagement with the apparatus interface but with the interface connector still arranged in the retracted mode as depicted in Figure 12B. [0029] Figure 13C is another sectional view of the facility interface and the apparatus interface of Figures 13A-13B, shown with the facility interface having moved further into engagement with the apparatus interface, and shown with the interface connector beginning to move away from the retracted mode as depicted in Figure 12C.

[0030] Figure 13D is another sectional view of the facility interface and the apparatus interface of Figures 13A-13C, shown with the facility interface releasably coupled to the apparatus interface in a connected state, and shown with the interface connector having moved into the extended mode as depicted in Figure 12D.

[0031] Figure 14 is a perspective view of another version of an apparatus interface and a facility interface, the apparatus interface shown having an apparatus connector with a plurality of apparatus data terminals spaced from a carrier supporting a plurality of apparatus power terminals, and the facility interface shown having an interface connector with a plurality of interface data terminals spaced from a plurality of interface power terminals.

[0032] Figure 15 is an exploded perspective view of the apparatus interface and the facility interface of Figure 14.

[0033] Figure 16 is another exploded perspective view of the apparatus interface and the facility interface of Figure 15.

[0034] Figure 17 is an enlarged plan view of the apparatus interface and the facility interface of Figures 14-16 taken facing towards a back side of the apparatus interface arranged spaced from and in keyed alignment with the facility interface.

[0035] Figure 18A is sectional view of the facility interface and the apparatus interface taken along line 18-18 of Figure 17, shown with the facility connector spaced from the apparatus connector, and with the carrier arranged in an extended carrier position.

[0036] Figure 18B is another sectional view of the facility interface and the apparatus interface of Figure 18 A, shown with the facility connector having moved into initial engagement with the apparatus connector, with an apparatus power terminal abutting an interface power terminal, with the carriage still arranged in the extended carrier position, and with an apparatus data terminal spaced from an interface data terminal

[0037] Figure 18C is another sectional view of the facility interface and the apparatus interface of Figures 18A-18B, shown with the facility connector having moved further into engagement with the apparatus connector, with the apparatus power terminal maintained in abutment with the interface power terminal, with the carrier having moved out of the extended carrier position, and with the apparatus data terminal still spaced from the interface data terminal. [0038] Figure 18D is another sectional view of the facility interface and the apparatus interface of Figures 18A-18C, shown with the facility interface releasably coupled to the apparatus interface in a connected state, with the apparatus power terminal maintained in abutment with the interface power terminal, with the carrier having moved into a retracted carrier position, and with the apparatus data terminal disposed in abutment with the interface data terminal.

[0039] Figure 19A is an enlarged, front-side plan view of the apparatus connector of Figures 14-18D, shown with the carrier having carrier guides arranged about a carrier axis and supporting the plurality of apparatus power terminals and arranged disposed within respective guide apertures formed in an apparatus connector face of the apparatus connector.

[0040] Figure 19B is another enlarged, front-side plan view of the apparatus connector of Figure 19A, shown with the carrier having rotated about the carrier axis to illustrate binding of the carrier guides in the guide apertures in response to an uneven application of force acting on the plurality of apparatus power terminals.

[0041] Figure 20 is a perspective view of another version of an apparatus interface and a facility interface, the apparatus interface shown having an apparatus connector with a plurality of apparatus power terminals, and the facility interface shown having an interface connector with a plurality of interface power terminals arranged in respective blocking recesses.

[0042] Figure 21 is an enlarged plan view of the apparatus interface and the facility interface of Figure 20 taken facing towards a back side of the apparatus interface, with the facility interface releasably coupled to the apparatus interface in a connected state.

[0043] Figure 22 is a sectional view of the facility interface and the apparatus interface taken along line 22-22 of Figure 21.

[0044] Figure 23 is an enlarged, partial front-side plan view of the facility interface of Figures 20-22.

[0045] Figure 24 is an enlarged, partial perspective view of the facility interface and the apparatus interface of Figures 20-22, shown arranged in the connected state.

[0046] Figure 25A is another enlarged, partial perspective view of the facility interface and the apparatus interface arranged as depicted in Figure 24, shown with portions of the apparatus interface depicted in phantom outline for illustrative purposes.

[0047] Figure 25B is another enlarged, partial perspective view of the facility interface and the apparatus interface of Figure 25 A, shown with the portions of the apparatus interface depicted in phantom outline for illustrative purposes, and shown with the facility interface having been moved in response to a transverse applied force to represent movement of the apparatus power terminals within the blocking recesses of the interface connector.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] Referring to the drawings, wherein like numerals indicate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, a patient support system 98 including a patient support apparatus 100 and portions of a facility F is shown in Figure 1. The patient support apparatus 100 supports a patient in a heath care setting, such as within a facility F realized as a hospital or another setting for treating patients. The patient support apparatus 100 illustrated throughout the drawings is realized as a hospital bed. In other versions, however, the patient support apparatus 100 may be a stretcher, a cot, a table, a wheelchair, a chair, or a similar apparatus utilized in the care of a patient.

[0049] The patient support apparatus 100 includes a support structure 102 which provides support for the patient. In the representative version illustrated herein, the support structure 102 generally comprises a base 104 and a litter 106. Here, the litter 106 includes an intermediate frame 108 and a patient support deck 110 spaced above the base 104. As is described in greater detail below, a lift mechanism 112 is interposed between the base 104 and the intermediate frame 108 to facilitate moving the litter 106 relative to the base 104 between a plurality of vertical configurations/poses, including without limitation one or more raised configurations, lowered configurations, and/or inclined configurations such as a Trendelenburg configuration.

[0050] The patient support deck 110 has at least one deck section 114 arranged for movement relative to the intermediate frame 108 between a plurality of section positions 114A, 114B. The deck sections 114 of the patient support deck 110 provide a patient support surface 1 16 upon which the patient is supported. More specifically, in the representative version of the patient support apparatus 100 illustrated herein, the patient support deck 110 has four deck sections 114 which cooperate to define the patient support surface 116: a back section 118, a seat section 120, a leg section 122, and a foot section 124 (see Figures 3A-6). In the representative version illustrated herein, the seat section 120 is fixed to the intermediate frame 108 and is not arranged for movement relative thereto. However, it will be appreciated that the seat section 120 could be movable relative to other deck sections 114 in some versions. Conversely, the back section 118 and the leg section 122 are arranged for independent movement relative to each other and to the intermediate frame 108, as described in greater detail below, and the foot section 124 is arranged to move partially concurrently with the leg section 122.

[0051] Other configurations are contemplated, and it will be appreciated that different arrangements of deck sections 114 are contemplated by the present disclosure. By way of nonlimiting example, the patient support deck 110 could be configured without a discrete seat section 120 in some versions. Furthermore, while the representative version of the litter 106 illustrated herein employs the intermediate frame 108 to support the deck sections 114 of the patient support deck 110 for movement relative to the base 104 via the lift mechanism 112, it will be appreciated that various types of litters 106, with or without discrete intermediate frames 108 and/or with a differently-configured lift mechanism 112, are contemplated by the present disclosure. In some versions, the patient support deck 110 and its associated deck sections 114 may be similar to as is described in U.S. Patent No. 11,116,680, entitled “Patient Support Apparatus for Controlling Patient Ingress and Egress the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0052] A mattress 126 may be disposed on the patient support deck 110 during use. The mattress 126 comprises or otherwise defines the patient support surface 116 upon which the patient is supported, but it will be appreciated that its shape is defined based on the arrangement of the patient support deck 110. Here too, it will be appreciated that the patient support deck 110 itself would define the patient support surface 116 during operation of some versions of the patient support apparatus 100 without the mattress 126. Put differently, the mattress 126 may be omitted in certain versions, such that the patient can rest directly on the patient support surface 116 defined by the deck sections 114 of the patient support deck 110. The base 104, the litter 106, the intermediate frame 108, and the patient support deck 110 each have a head end and a foot end corresponding to designated placement of the patient’s head and feet on the patient support apparatus 100. It will be appreciated that the specific configuration of the support structure 102 may take on any known or conventional design and is not limited to that specifically illustrated and described herein. Other configurations are contemplated.

[0053] Side rails 128, 130, 132, 134 are coupled to the support structure 102 via mounts and are supported for movement relative to the intermediate frame 108 (and, thus, relative to the base 104). A first side rail 128 is positioned at a right head end of the litter 106. A second side rail 130 is positioned at a left head end of litter 106. A third side rail 132 is positioned at a right foot end of the litter 106. A fourth side rail 134 is positioned at a left foot end of the litter 106. One or more of the side rails may be coupled to one or mounts via linkages and may be movable between a plurality of side rail positions, including a raised position, in which they block ingress and egress into and out of the patient support apparatus 100, one or more intermediate positions, and a lowered position in which they are not an obstacle to such ingress and egress across the periphery of the patient support surface 116. It will be appreciated that there may be fewer side rails for certain versions, such as where the patient support apparatus 100 is realized as a stretcher or a cot. Similarly, it will be appreciated that side rails may be attached to any suitable component or structure of the patient support apparatus 100, and that their respective mount and/or linkage may be configured in various ways. In some versions, the side rails 128, 130, 132, 134 or other portions of the patient support apparatus 100 may be similar to as is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2021/0338504 Al, entitled “Side Rail Assembly For A Patient Support Apparatus,'’ the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Other configurations are contemplated. In the representative version illustrated herein, the first and second side rails 128, 130 are coupled to the back section 118 of the patient support deck 110 and move concurrently therewith.

[0054] As shown in Figure 1, a headboard 136 and a footboard 138 are coupled to respective mounts of the intermediate frame 108 of the litter 106. However, it will be appreciated that the headboard 136 and/or footboard 138 may be coupled to other locations on the patient support apparatus 100, such as the base 104, or may be omitted in certain versions. One or more caregiver interfaces 140, such as handles, are shown in Figure 1 as being integrated into the first and second side rails 128, 130 to facilitate movement of the patient support apparatus 100 over floor surfaces. Additional caregiver interfaces 140 may be integrated into the headboard 136, the footboard 138, and/or other components of the patient support apparatus 100, such as the third and/or fourth side rails 132, 134, the intermediate frame 108, and the like. The caregiver interfaces 140 are shaped so as to be grasped by a caregiver as a way to position or otherwise manipulate the patient support apparatus 100 for movement. It will be appreciated that the caregiver interfaces 140 could be integrated with or operatively attached to any suitable portion of the patient support apparatus 100 or may be omitted in certain versions.

[0055] Wheels 142 are coupled to the base 104 to facilitate transportation over floor surfaces. The wheels 142 are arranged in each of four quadrants of the base 104, adjacent to corners of the base 104. In the version shown in Figure 1, the wheels 142 are caster wheels that are able to rotate and swivel relative to the support structure 102 during transport. Here, each of the wheels 142 forms part of a caster assembly 144 mounted to the base 104. In the illustrated version, the patient support apparatus 100 includes a brake assembly 153 operatively attached to one or more of the wheels 142 and being operable between a braked state to inhibit movement of the base 104 about floor surfaces, and an unbraked state to permit movement of the base 104 about floor surfaces. In some versions, the wheels 142 and brake assembly 153 may be similar to as is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 10,806,653, entitled “Patient Transport Apparatus With Electro-Mechanical Braking System,'' and/or International Patent Application Publication No. WO 2021/138176 Al, entitled “Patient Transport Apparatus With ElectroMechanical Braking System,” the disclosures of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Other configurations are contemplated.

[0056] It should be understood that various configurations of the caster assemblies 144 are contemplated. In addition, in some versions, the wheels 142 are not caster wheels. Moreover, it will be appreciated that the wheels 142 may be non-steerable, steerable, nonpowered, powered, or combinations thereof. While the representative version of the patient support apparatus 100 illustrated herein employs four wheels 142, additional wheels are also contemplated. For example, the patient support apparatus 100 may comprise four nonpowered, non-steerable wheels, along with one or more additional powered wheels. In some cases, the patient support apparatus may not include any wheels. In other versions, one or more auxiliary wheels (powered or non-powered), which are movable between stowed positions and deployed positions, may be coupled to the support structure 102. In some cases, when auxiliary wheels are located between caster assemblies 144 and contact the floor surface in the deployed position, they cause two of the caster assemblies 144 to be lifted off the floor surface, thereby shortening a wheel base of the patient support apparatus 100. A fifth wheel may also be arranged substantially in a center of the base 104.

[0057] As noted above, the patient support apparatus 100 employs the lift mechanism 112 to lift and lower the litter 106 relative to the base 104 which, in turn, moves the intermediate frame 108 together with the patient support deck 110 between various vertical configurations, such as to the raised vertical configuration 106A depicted in Figures 3A-4A, the lowered vertical configuration 106B depicted in Figures 4B-5, or to any desired vertical configuration therebetween including various inclined configurations 106A such as is depicted in Figure 6. To this end, the lift mechanism 112 may include a head end lift member 146 and a foot end lift member 148 which are each arranged to facilitate movement of the litter 106 with respect to the base 104 using one or more lift actuators 150. The lift actuators 150 may be realized as linear actuators, rotary actuators, or other types of actuators, and may be electrically operated and/or may be hydraulic. It is contemplated that, in some configurations, only one lift member and one associated lift actuator may be employed, e.g., to raise only one end of the litter 106 (see Figure 6), or one central lift actuator to raise and lower the litter 106. The construction of the lift mechanism 112, the head end lift member 146, and/or the foot end lift member 148 may take on any known or conventional design, and is not limited to that specifically illustrated. By way of non-limiting example, the lift mechanism 112 could comprise a “scissor” linkage arranged between the base 104 and the litter 106 with one or more actuators configured to facilitate vertical movement of the patient support deck 110. In some versions, the lift mechanism 112 may be similar to as is described in U.S. Patent No. 10,172,753, entitled “Patient Support Lift Assembly,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Other configurations are contemplated.

[0058] As noted above, the patient support deck 110 is operatively attached to the intermediate frame 108 (e.g., as depicted in Figures 1 and 3A-6), with one or more of the deck sections 114 arranged for movement between a first section position 114A (see Figures 3A- 4B) and a second section position 114B (see Figures 5-6). To this end, one or more deck actuators 152 are interposed between the deck section 114 and the intermediate frame 108 to move the deck section 114. In the representative versions illustrated herein, the deck actuator 152 is realized as a linear actuator disposed in force-translating relationship between the deck section 114 and the intermediate frame 108. More specifically, one deck actuator 152 is provided between the intermediate frame 108 and the back section 118, and another deck actuator 152 is provided between the intermediate frame 108 and the leg section 122, and each of the deck actuators 152 is arranged for independent movement to position the respective deck sections 114 to adjust the shape of the patient support surface 116 between a plurality of patient support configurations (for example, a flat configuration, a raised fowler configuration, a seated configuration, etc.). Here, the deck actuator 152 coupled to the back section 118 is configured to move the back section 118 between the first section position 114A (see Figures 3A-4B), the second section position 114B (see Figures 5-6), as well as to additional section positions between the first and second section positions 114A, 114B and/or to section positions beyond the second section position 114B.

[0059] Those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the patient support apparatus 100 could employ any suitable number of deck actuators 152, of any suitable type or configuration sufficient to effect selective movement of one or more of the deck sections 114 relative to the litter 106 or other components of the support structure 102. By way of nonlimiting example, the deck actuator 152 could be a linear actuator or one or more rotary actuators driven electronically and/or hydraulically, and/or controlled or driven in any suitable way. Moreover, the deck actuator 152 could be mounted, secured, coupled, or otherwise operatively attached to the intermediate frame 108 and to the deck section 114, either directly or indirectly, in any suitable way. In addition, one or more of the deck actuators 152 could be omitted for certain applications.

[0060] Referring to Figure 2, the patient support apparatus 100 employs a control system, generally indicated at 154, to effect operation of various functions of the patient support apparatus 100 by powering, driving, communicating with, or otherwise controlling various types of powered devices PD, as described in greater detail below. To this end, and as is shown schematically in Figure 2, the control system 154 generally includes an apparatus controller 156 disposed in communication with one or more user interfaces 158 adapted for use by the patient and/or the caregiver to facilitate operation of one or more functions of the patient support apparatus 100. The apparatus controller 156 may also be directly or indirectly disposed in communication with powered devices PD, including without limitation the lift actuators 150, the deck actuators 152, one or more sensors S of a sensor system 160, a communication interface 162 for communicating with various remote devices (e.g., smartphones, external systems, and the like), one or more power converters 164 (also referred to as a charger 164), a drive system 178, and/or one or more additional powered devices 166 such as devices to adjust the length and/or width of the litter 106, devices to turn the patient, devices to facilitate ingress and/or egress, devices to facilitate actuation of electric brakes, devices to monitor patient movement and/or bed exit, and the like. Other configurations are contemplated.

[0061] In the representative version illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the patient support apparatus 100 comprises a plurality of user interfaces 158 which may be accessible by the patient, the caregiver, or by both the caregiver and the patient. Each user interface 158 of the patient support apparatus 100 generally comprises an input device 170 configured to generate an input signal in response to activation by a user which, in turn, is communicated to the apparatus controller 156. The apparatus controller 156, in turn, is responsive to the input signal and can control or otherwise carry out one or more functions of the patient support apparatus 100 in response to receiving the input signal. Put differently, the apparatus controller 156 is configured to perform a function of the patient support apparatus 100 in response to receiving the input from the input device 170. By way of non-limiting example, the input device 170 could be realized as a “lift bed” button, activation of which causes the apparatus controller 156 to drive the lift actuators 150 to move the intermediate frame 108 of the litter 106 from the maximum lowered configuration vertically away from the base 104 towards the raised configuration. [0062] In some versions, one or more of the user interfaces 158 may also employ an output device 172, such as a screen, one or more audible and/or visual indicators (e.g., speakers, beepers, light emitting diodes LEDs, and the like), to communicate information to the user (e.g., to the caregiver). In some versions, the user interface 158 may be realized as a touchscreen interface that serves as both the input device 170 and the output device 172. In some versions, the apparatus controller 156 may be configured to facilitate navigation of visual content of the user interface 158 (e.g., realized as a graphical user interface GUI) in response to receiving the input signal from the input device 170. Thus, it will be appreciated that the user interface 158 could be configured in a number of different ways sufficient to generate the input signal. Moreover, it will be appreciated that the user interfaces 158 could be of a number of different styles, shapes, configurations, and the like. By way of non-limiting example, one or more of the user interfaces 158 may comprise buttons, indicators, screens, graphical user interfaces, and the like. Other configurations are contemplated.

[0063] In some versions, one or more portions of the sensor system 160 may be coupled to the support structure 102 to generate data representing load acting on the support structure 102. To this end, as is depicted schematically in Figure 2, the sensor system 160 may include a plurality of load cells 174 interposed in force- translating relation between the intermediate frame 108 and the base 104 to measure load acting on the support structure 102 (not shown in detail). Here, each load cell 174 generates a respective output signal representing the amount of weight sensed thereby. In some versions, a total of four load cells 174 are interposed between the intermediate frame 108 and the lift members 146, 148 of the lift mechanism 112 to measure load (e.g., patient weight) acting about the patient support surface 116 as well as on other portions of the intermediate frame 108 or components coupled thereto. It will be appreciated that other arrangements of load cells 174 are contemplated by the present disclosure, and different quantities of load cells 174 arranged in various ways may be employed by the sensor system 160. By way of non-limiting example, load cells could be interposed between the base 104 and the lift mechanism 112 (not shown). In some versions, aspects of the patient support apparatus 100, including the arrangement of load cells 174 about support structures 102, may be similar to as is described in International Patent Application Publication No. WO 2021/242946 Al, entitled “Lift Systems And Load Cells For Patient Support Apparatus-,” International Patent Application Publication No. WO 2021/108377, entitled “Patient Support Apparatus With Load Cell Assemblies',” and/or U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2021/0030611 Al, entitled “Patient Support Apparatus With Load Cell Assemblies',” the disclosures of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Other configurations are contemplated.

[0064] In some versions, the sensor system 160 may include one or more different types of sensors S for determining changes in the position, state, or operation of various portions of the patient support apparatus 100, and or changes in patient position, status, condition, and the like. In some versions, the patient support apparatus 100 may include one or more sensors S disposed in communication with the apparatus controller 156 to: determine motion of the patient support apparatus 100, to determine operation of the brake assembly 153 (e.g., between braked and unbraked states), to determine an arrangement of the intermediate frame 108 relative to the base 104, to determine movement of one or more deck sections 114, to determine movement of the side rails 128, 130, 132, 134 and/or the headboard 136 or the footboard 138, to determine movement of the mattress 126, and/or to determine changes in the position or status of the patient. It will be appreciated that various sensors S of a number of different types, styles, and/or configurations may be employed, including without limitation limit switches, touch sensors, potentiometers, encoders, pressure sensors, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, optical sensors (e.g., cameras), or other type of sensors responsive to changes in position, contact, orientation, state, and the like. In some versions, the functionality afforded by sensors S could be realized as code operated by the apparatus controller 156 or other portions of the patient support system 98. Other configurations are contemplated.

[0065] Referring to Figures 3A-6, in some versions, the patient support apparatus 100 includes an auxiliary wheel assembly 176 coupled to the base 104. The auxiliary wheel assembly 176 forms part of a drive system 178 configured to influence motion of the patient support apparatus 100 during transportation over floor surfaces. To this end, the drive system 178 generally includes a drive member 180 and a motor 182 coupled to the drive member 180 to operate the drive member 180 at various speeds. In the illustrated versions, the drive member 180 is realized as an auxiliary wheel 142A. However, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the drive system 178 could be configured in other ways, with various types of drive members 180 other than those configured as auxiliary wheels 142A of auxiliary wheel assemblies 176. By way of non-limiting example, the drive member 180 could be realized by various types and/or arrangements of one or more belts, treads, wheels, tires, and the like, which may be arranged in various ways about the patient support apparatus 100 and may be deployable, retractable, or similarly movable, or may be generally engaged with the floor surface (e.g., realized as powered wheels at one or more comers of the base 104). Other configurations are contemplated. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the auxiliary wheel drive system 178 described and illustrated herein represents one type of drive system 178 contemplated by the present disclosure, and the auxiliary wheel 142A described and illustrated herein represents one type of drive member 180 contemplated by the present disclosure.

[0066] The auxiliary wheel assembly 176 employs an auxiliary wheel actuator 184 operatively coupled to the auxiliary wheel 142 A and operable to move the auxiliary wheel 142A between one or more deployed positions engaging the floor surface, and one or more retracted positions spaced away from and out of contact with the floor surface. The auxiliary wheel 142A influences motion of the patient support apparatus 100 during transportation over the floor surface when the auxiliary wheel 142A is in a deployed position. In some versions, the auxiliary wheel assembly 176 comprises an additional auxiliary wheel movable with the auxiliary wheel via the auxiliary wheel actuator 184. It will be appreciated that operation of the drive system 178 may be effected in various ways, including such as based on signals from the sensor system 160, one or more sensors S, and/or one or more user interfaces 158. In some versions, aspects of the drive system 178 may be similar to as is disclosed in one or more of: U.S. Patent Application No. 16/690,217, filed on November 21, 2019, entitled, “Patient Transport Apparatus With Controlled Auxiliary’ Wheel Deployment U.S. Patent Application No. 17/131,947, filed on December 23, 2020, entitled, “Patient Transport Apparatus With Controlled Auxiliary Wheel Speed? and/or U.S. Patent Application No. 17/132,009, filed on December 23, 2020, entitled, “Patient Transport Apparatus With Auxiliary Wheel Control Systems? the disclosures of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Other configurations are contemplated.

[0067] As noted above, the apparatus controller 156 is depicted schematically in Figure 2 and has been omitted from certain drawings for the purposes of clarity and consistency. It will be appreciated that the apparatus controller 156 and/or the control system 154 can be configured or otherwise arranged in a number of different ways to facilitate operation of the patient support apparatus 100. The apparatus controller 156 may have one or more microprocessors for processing instructions or for processing an algorithm stored in memory to control operation of powered devices PD, generation or interpretation of signals and/or data (e.g., data from sensors S, the sensor system 160, and the like), communication with the user interfaces 158 and/or remote devices (e.g., portable electronic devices), performance of one or more functions of the powered devices PD, and the like. Additionally or alternatively, the apparatus controller 156 may comprise one or more microcontrollers, field programmable gate arrays, systems on a chip, discrete circuitry, and/or other suitable hardware, software, or firmware that is capable of carrying out the various functions and operations described herein. The apparatus controller 156 may be carried on-board the patient support apparatus 100, such as on the base 104 or the litter 106, or may be remotely located. The apparatus controller 156 may comprise one or more sub-controllers configured to control powered devices PD or one or more sub-controllers for each powered device PD. The apparatus controller 156 and/or other parts of the control system 154 may communicate with the powered devices PD (e.g., the actuators 150, 152, the user interfaces 158, and the like) via wired and/or wireless communication.

[0068] As will be appreciated from the subsequent description below, power used to operate the powered devices PD, as well as the apparatus controller 156 itself, can be provided by an external power source 157 and/or by a battery 159 operatively coupled to the support structure 102. To this end, the patient support system 98 employs a connection system 198 defined by an apparatus interface 200 and a facility interface 300. The apparatus interface 200 is coupled to the patient support apparatus 100, and the facility interface 300 is coupled to or is otherwise formed as a part of the facility F. As is described in greater detail below, the apparatus interface 200 and the facility interface 300 are configured for releasable engagement together in a connected state SC to facilitate wired electrical communication of power P and/or data D between the patient support apparatus 100 and the facility F. Here, the apparatus interface 200 is disposed in electrical communication with various components of the control system 154, including for example the apparatus controller 156 (and/or various powered devices PD or other components in communication with the apparatus controller 156), the battery 159, and/or a power converter 164; and the facility interface 300 is disposed in electrical communication with various components of the facility F, including for example the external power source 157, an infrastructure controller 186, and/or other types of external systems 188 (e.g., nurse call systems, servers, networks, communication systems, and the like). Each of the components of the connection system 198 introduced above will be described in greater detail below.

[0069] With reference to Figure 2, as noted above, the facility F may be a hospital or another area for facilitating patient care. The facility F provides or otherwise defines the external power source 157, which may be realized such as by an Alternating Current voltage source (e.g., 110-220 VAC at 50-60 Hz) that is supplied to the facility F by a utility company. However, it will be appreciated that other configurations are contemplated, and the external power source 157 could be configured or otherwise defined as power supplied from any suitable source (e.g., via a utility company, via a generator, and the like) in the form of Alternating Current or Direct Current power at any suitable voltage, frequency, and/or current for charging the battery 159 of the patient support apparatus 100.

[0070] In the illustrated version, the power converter 164 is coupled to the support structure 102 of the patient support apparatus 100 and is employed to, among other things, facilitate charging the battery 159 via power from the external power source 157. To this end, in some versions, the external power source 157 may provide Alternating Current power (e.g., 110-220 VAC at 50-60 Hz) as an input to the power converter 164 which, in turn, may output Direct Current power (e.g., 12-60 VDC) that is used to charge the battery 159 (the term power converter 164 may be interchangeably referred to as “the charger 164”). In some versions, the power converter 164 may also be utilized to generate or otherwise output power at a voltage, current, and/or frequency that can be used to operate powered devices PD when the apparatus interface 200 and the facility interface 300 are engaged in the connected state SC. Put differently, power for powered devices PD may be drawn from the battery 159 and/or from the power converter 164 in some versions, such as to simultaneously charge the battery 159 and facilitate operation of powered devices PD without depleting charge from the battery 159 during operation in the connected state SC. In some versions, the power converter 164 may also be configured to provide Alternating Current power to an auxiliary outlet carried onboard of the patient support apparatus 100 (e.g., acting as a power inverter; not shown). Other configurations are contemplated. While the power converter 164 is shown as a part of the patient support apparatus 100 in the illustrated version, it will be appreciated that the power converter 164 could be realized as a part of the facility F in some versions, such as to provide Direct Current voltage power P to the patient support apparatus 100. Similarly, it is contemplated that multiple power converters 164 may be utilized by the patient support system 98, either as a part of the patient support apparatus 100 and/or the facility F. Other configurations are contemplated.

[0071] As noted above, the connection system 198 may be employed to facilitate the transfer of both power P and data D between the facility F and the patient support apparatus 100. Here, it will be appreciated that various types of data D may be transferred between the facility F and the patient support apparatus 100, according to various communication protocols, standards, and the like. Data D may represent or be associated with various aspects of the facility F, the patient, the patient support apparatus 100, and/or other medical devices, systems, and the like. Other configurations are contemplated. In some versions, data D may be exchanged between the apparatus controller 156 and the infrastructure controller 186 to facilitate operation of the power converter 164, as described in greater detail below. In some versions, data D may be exchanged between the apparatus controller 156 and the infrastructure controller 186 to facilitate communication with the patient via video, audio, and the like. In some versions, the infrastructure controller 186 may facilitate communication with other external systems 188 of the facility F (e.g., nurse call systems, monitoring systems, management systems, other medical devices or equipment, and the like). Other configurations are contemplated.

[0072] In the representative version depicted in Figure 1, in order to facilitate wired electrical communication between the patient support apparatus 100 and the facility F, the facility interface 300 is coupled to a tether T which, in turn, is connected to the facility F (e.g., wired to the external power source 157). This configuration allows a caregiver or another user to move the facility interface 300 relative to the patient support apparatus 100 and bring it into and out of engagement with the apparatus interface 200 in the connected state SC as described in greater detail below. In the illustrated version, the apparatus interface 200 is depicted as being operatively attached to the intermediate frame 108 of the litter 106 adjacent to the head end. However, it will be appreciated that the apparatus interface 200 could be operatively attached to, or formed integrally with, any suitable portion of the patient support apparatus 100. Furthermore, it is contemplated that multiple apparatus interfaces 200 could be employed, such as to enable connection to one apparatus interface 200 arranged at the head end and/or to a different apparatus interface 200 arranged at the foot end (not shown). Other configurations are contemplated. It will be appreciated that the tether T may have any suitable length sufficient to facilitate releasable engagement of the connection system 198 in the connected state SC, or may be omitted in some versions.

[0073] While the tether T is shown coupled to the facility interface 300 to facilitate positioning relative to the apparatus interface 200 in the illustrated version, this arrangement could be different in other versions, such as with the tether coupled to the apparatus interface 200 and to another portion of the patient support apparatus 100 (not shown). In some versions, multiple tethers T could be employed, such as with one tether T coupled to the facility interface 300 and to another part of the facility F, and with another tether T coupled to the apparatus interface 200 and to another portion of the patient support apparatus 100 (not shown). Other configurations are contemplated.

[0074] As is described in greater detail below, the connection system 198 affords significant advantages to caregivers by enabling power P and/or data D to be exchanged between the facility F and the patient support apparatus 100 reliably and quickly based, among other things, on how the apparatus interface 200 and the facility interface 300 engage together in the connected state SC, and also can be quickly moved out of the connected state SC in a “breakaway” fashion in response to external contact or applied force. It will be appreciated that a breakaway of the connection system 198 depicted in Figure 1 would result in the tether T and the facility interface 300 disconnecting from the apparatus interface 200, thereby allowing the patient support apparatus 100 to be moved away from the tether T and the interface connector 302. Here too, other configurations are contemplated, including without limitation the schematically-depicted version depicted in Figure 2, which illustrates another apparatus interface 200’ and another facility interface 300’ to represent multiple breakaways (e.g., one on each end of the tether T), and/or to represent breakaway at the facility F rather than breakaway at the patient support apparatus 100.

[0075] Referring now, generally, to Figures 7-13D, as noted above, the apparatus interface 200 and the facility interface 300 are configured for releasable engagement together in a connected state SC to facilitate wired electrical communication of power P and/or data D between the patient support apparatus 100 and the facility F. The apparatus interface 200 generally includes an apparatus connector 202, an apparatus magnetic element 204, and an apparatus terminal 206. The apparatus connector 202 is operatively attached to the support structure 102 of the patient support apparatus 100 and supports the apparatus magnetic element 204 and the apparatus terminal 206 as described in greater detail below. The apparatus terminal 206 is disposed in electrical communication with the control system 154 of the patient support apparatus 100, such as via a physical electrical connection to the apparatus controller 156, the battery 159, and/or the power converter 164. The facility interface 300 is configured for providing selective connection to the external power source 157 to charge the battery 159 of the patient support apparatus 100, and generally includes an interface connector 302, an interface magnetic element 304, an interface terminal 306 that is disposed in electrical communication with the external power source 157, and a shield 308. The facility interface 300 is operable between a retracted mode MR (see Figures 7, 12A, and 13A) and an extended mode ME (see Figures 12D and 13D). In the retracted mode MR, the shield 308 at least partially limits contact of the interface terminal 306 with environmental objects, such as for example portions of the caregiver or another person’s body, portions of the patient support apparatus 100, other medical devices or equipment nearby, and the like. In the extended mode ME, the interface terminal 306 is arranged relative to the shield 308 for abutment with the apparatus terminal 206 (see Figure 12D). The interface connector 302 changes operation from the retracted mode MR to the extended mode ME in response to magnetic attraction occurring between the apparatus magnetic element 204 and the interface magnetic element 304 to releasably couple the apparatus interface 200 and the facility interface 300 in the connected state SC with the apparatus terminal 206 abutting the interface terminal 306 to facilitate charging the battery 159 with power P from the external power source 157. In some versions, the facility interface 300 changes operation from the extended mode ME to the retracted mode MR in response to movement of the interface

[0076] Each of the components introduced above will be described in greater detail below.

[0077] Figures 9-10 depict various components of the apparatus interface 200 and the facility interface 300. The apparatus interface 200 is shown having an apparatus housing 208, an apparatus circuit board 210 supporting a plurality of apparatus terminals 206, and a plurality of auxiliary apparatus magnetic elements 212; and the facility interface 300 is shown having an interface housing 310, an interface circuit board 312 supporting a plurality of interface terminals 306, a carriage 314 supporting a different plurality of interface terminals 306, a biasing element 316, an adjuster 318, a plurality of auxiliary interface magnetic elements 320, and a cover 322. Each of the components of the apparatus interface 200 and the facility interface 300 introduced above will be described in greater detail below.

[0078] The apparatus housing 208 supports the apparatus terminal 206. More specifically, in the illustrated version, the apparatus housing 208 defines an apparatus pocket 214 in which an apparatus board mount 216 is disposed. The apparatus board mount 216 is shaped and arranged to support the apparatus circuit board 210 (e.g., via one or more fasteners; not shown) which, in turn, supports a plurality of apparatus terminals 206 relative to the apparatus housing 208. In the illustrated version, the apparatus circuit board 210 supports a plurality of apparatus power terminals 206P for transmitting power P, and a plurality of apparatus data terminals 206D for transmitting data D. In the illustrated version, three apparatus power terminals 206P and three interface power terminals 306P (see Figure 7) are provided to facilitate transferring power P in the connected state SC, such as to transfer Alternating Current power P across three wires (e.g., neutral, hot, and ground, or other wires; not shown). However, it will be appreciated that different quantities of apparatus power terminals 206P and/or interface power terminals 306P may be utilized in some versions (e.g., more than three or fewer than three). In the illustrated version, four apparatus data terminals 206D and four interface data terminals 306D (see Figure 7) are provided to facilitate transferring data D in the connected state SC, such as to transfer data D across four wires (e.g., power, ground, transmit, receive, or other wires; not shown). Here too, it will be appreciated that different quantities of apparatus data terminals 206D and/or interface data terminals 306D may be utilized in some versions (e.g., more than four or fewer than four).

[0079] In the illustrated version, the apparatus terminals 206 coupled to the apparatus circuit board 210 such as by soldering. The apparatus terminals 206 each define respective contact pads 218 which are shaped and arranged to abut corresponding connector faces 324 of the interface terminals 306 in the connected state SC (see Figure 7). In some versions, one or more apparatus terminals 206 and/or interface terminals 306 may be realized as “pogo pins” or may otherwise facilitate at least partial resilient deflection or movement to help ensure contact during abutment in the connected state SC (see Figures 12D and 13D; abutment shown in exaggerated detail for illustrative purposes). However, it will be appreciated that other configurations are contemplated, and the apparatus terminals 206 and/or interface terminals 306 could be of other types, styles, and/or arrangements sufficient to transmit power P and/or data D in the connected state SC.

[0080] As is best shown in Figure 9, in the illustrated version, the apparatus housing 208 of the apparatus connector 202 defines an apparatus connector face 220 and a plurality of connector face apertures 222 formed in the apparatus connector face 220. Here, the plurality of apparatus terminals 206 are supported in the connector face apertures 222 with their respective contact pads 218 arranged so as to be substantially flush with the apparatus connector face 220. It will be appreciated that this configuration substantially improves cleanability and inhibits the buildup of contaminants along the apparatus connector face 220, where contaminants might otherwise collect along the apparatus connector face 220. Here too in this version, the apparatus housing 208 defines a flange 224 and a plug 226 extending from the flange 224 and merging into the apparatus connector face 220 with a keyed profile KA (see Figure 7) that is generally smooth and helps promote cleanability, whereby the apparatus connector face 220 and/or the plug 226 can be readily wiped down if exposed to contaminants. The flange 224 of the apparatus housing 208 defines flange mounts 228 to facilitate attachment to the support structure 102, such as with fasteners (not shown). However, as noted above, one or more portions of the apparatus connector 202 may be formed integrally with other components of the patient support apparatus 100 in some versions, such as where the plug 226 may be formed as a part of a barrier such as the headboard 136. Other configurations are contemplated.

[0081] In the illustrated version, the apparatus housing 208 supports one or more apparatus magnetic elements 204 and one or more auxiliary apparatus magnetic elements 212. To this end, and as is best depicted in Figure 10, the apparatus housing 208 defines a plurality of apparatus magnet mounts 230 arranged in the apparatus pocket 214 and shaped to receive one of the apparatus magnetic elements 204 or one of the auxiliary apparatus magnetic elements 212. In the illustrated version, two apparatus magnetic elements 204 and two interface magnetic elements 304 are provided to facilitate changing operation of the facility interface 300 from the retracted mode ME to the extended mode ME as noted above and as is described in greater detail below. Here, the apparatus magnetic elements 204 and the interface magnetic elements 304 are configured and arranged with respect to each other so as to facilitate the change in operation to the extended mode ME based on magnetic attraction, such as by orientating the apparatus magnetic elements 204 and the interface magnetic elements 304 with opposing magnetic poles facing towards each other in the connected state SC in versions where the apparatus magnetic element 204 and the interface magnetic element 304 are each realized as magnets. In some versions, the apparatus magnetic element 204 could be a magnet, and interface magnetic element 304 could be manufactured from a material which can be attracted magnetically (e.g., steel). Other configurations are contemplated. While the representative version illustrated throughout the drawings employs two apparatus magnetic elements 204 and two interface magnetic elements 304 to facilitate the change in operation to the extended mode ME based on magnetic attraction, it will be appreciated that other quantities of magnetic elements (e.g., more than two or fewer than two) could be employed by the apparatus interface 200 and/or by the facility interface 300, and the magnetic elements could be of various types, styles, configurations and may be disposed in different orientations and/or arrangements.

[0082] In some versions, magnetic attraction occurring between the apparatus magnetic element 204 and the interface magnetic element 304 maintains the interface connector 302 in the extended mode ME and also simultaneously retains the connection system 198 in the connected state CS. Put differently, the apparatus interface 200 and the facility interface 300 may be configured with one or more apparatus magnetic elements 204 and one or more interface magnetic elements 304 which are sized or otherwise configured to maintain abutment between the apparatus terminal 206 and the interface terminal 306 in absence of external forces acting on the interface connector 302 and/or acting between the interface connector 302 and the apparatus connector 202. In some versions, magnetic attraction occurring between one or more auxiliary apparatus magnetic elements 212 and one or more auxiliary interface magnetic elements 320 may at least partially retain the connection system 198 in the connected state CS. For example, in the illustrated version, three auxiliary apparatus magnetic elements 212 and three auxiliary interface magnetic elements 320 are employed to further promote retention in the connected state CS. It will be appreciated that various quantities of auxiliary apparatus magnetic elements 212 and/or auxiliary interface magnetic elements 320 (e.g., more than three or fewer than three) may be utilized to retain the connection system 198 in the connected state SC. Here too, it will be appreciated that auxiliary apparatus magnetic elements 212 and/or auxiliary interface magnetic elements 320 may be employed to increase the amount of applied external force required to move the connection system 198 out of the connected state SC and into a disconnected state SD, and/or may be employed to increase resistance to movement out of the connected state SC in response to the application of external force in specific directions, such as to resist disconnection when a specific amount of external force is applied along the axis A but to promote disconnection when that same amount of external force is applied transverse to the axis A. Other configurations are contemplated, and it will be appreciated that the auxiliary apparatus magnetic elements 212 and the auxiliary interface magnetic elements 320 may be omitted in some versions.

[0083] With continued reference to Figures 9-10, in the illustrated version, the facility interface 300 employs the interface circuit board 312 to support a plurality of interface data terminals 306D for transmitting data D, while the carriage 314 supports a plurality of interface power terminals 306P for transmitting power P. The interface housing 310 defines an interface pocket 326 in which an interface board mount 328 is disposed. The interface board mount 328 is shaped and arranged to support the interface circuit board 312 (e.g., via one or more fasteners; not shown) which, in turn, supports a plurality of interface terminals 306 relative to the interface housing 310. The interface housing 310 of the interface connector 302 defines the shield 308 in the illustrated version which, in turn, has a shield connector face 330 that is arranged to abut the apparatus connector face 220 in the connected state SC (see Figure 12D). The shield 308 of the interface housing 310 also defines a plurality of shield apertures 332 for the respective plurality of interface terminals 306 in the illustrated version. More specifically, a total of three power shield apertures 332P are provided for the three interface power terminals 306P, and a total of four data shield apertures 332D are provided for the four interface data terminals 306D in the illustrated version. As will be appreciated from the subsequent description of the carriage 314 below, in the illustrated version, the interface power terminals 306P move relative to the shield 308 within the power shield apertures 332P in response to changing operation between the extended mode ME and the retracted mode MR, while the interface data terminals 306D generally remain stationary relative to the shield 308 via support from the interface circuit board 312. However, it will be appreciated that other configurations are contemplated, and in some versions the interface data terminals 306D could move with the carriage 314. Furthermore, in some versions, the apparatus interface 200 could employ a carriage (not shown) to support one or more terminals for movement relative to its own shield, such as where the power P being transferred is relatively high voltage Direct Current power P with apparatus power terminals coupled to a relatively high voltage battery 159. Other configurations are contemplated.

[0084] In the illustrated version, the interface housing 310 also includes a lip 334 which extends away from the shield 308 to a lip edge 336 to define a socket 338 shaped to receive the plug 226 of the apparatus interface 200 in the connected state SC (see Figure 12D). Here, the socket 338 is arranged to receive the plug 226 in keyed alignment to couple the facility interface 300 and the apparatus interface 200 in the connected state SC. More specifically, in the illustrated version, the socket 338 of the facility interface 300 has a keyed profile KI which is complimentary to the keyed profile KA of the plug 226 of the apparatus interface 200 (see Figure 7). Here, the keyed profiles KA, KI are shaped to releasably engage each other in keyed alignment along the axis A. Here, the apparatus terminals 206 and the interface terminals 306 are arranged relative to each of the respective keyed profiles KA, KI to facilitate alignment between the apparatus terminals 206 and the interface terminals 306 in response to engagement in the connected state SC occurring in keyed alignment along the axis A (see Figure 8). Here too, the complimentary keyed profiles KA, KI of the apparatus connector 202 and the interface connector 302 are configured to inhibit releasable engagement with each other during an absence of keyed alignment occurring along the axis A. The lip 334 encompasses the shield 308 and is arranged to abut the plug 226 to prevent coupling in the connected state SC during an absence of keyed alignment between the plug 226 and the socket 338. In the illustrated version, the lip edge 336 is spaced from the shield 308 at a lip distance DL (see Figure 13A), and the magnetic attraction between the apparatus magnetic element 204 and the interface magnetic element 304 occurs in response to the interface magnetic element 304 being within a threshold distance DT of the apparatus magnetic element 204 (see Figure 13C), with the lip distance DL being larger than the threshold distance DT. This configuration helps ensure that the facility interface 300 stays in the retracted mode MR during initial positioning of the interface connector 302 relative to the apparatus connector 20 in that the interface magnetic element 304 and the apparatus magnetic element 204 stay spaced away from each other at a distance that is larger than the threshold distance DT when misaligned contact occurs between the lip 334 and portions of the plug 226 (e.g., the apparatus connector face 220).

[0085] As is best depicted in Figure 9, in the illustrated version, a mount 340 is shown extending out of the interface pocket 326 away from the interface housing 310 to support a guide 342 in spaced relation from the shield 308 which supports the carriage 314 for movement as described in greater detail below. The interface housing 310 also defines a shell flange 344 adjacent to the interface pocket 326 which is configured to engage the cover 322 of the interface connector 302. In the illustrated version, the cover 322 has a generally hollow, shell-like profile that is shaped to, among other things, route wires from the tether T to the interface terminals 306, facilitate ergonomic handling of the facility interface 300, and generally inhibit ingress of contaminants towards internal components of the facility interface 300. The cover 322 has a cover flange 346 that is shaped to engage the shell flange 344 to attach the cover 322 to the interface housing 310, such as by a “snap fit” engagement. However, other configurations are contemplated, and the cover 322 could be operatively attached to the interface housing in a number of different ways, including such as by adhesives, ultrasonic welding, and/or other forms of mechanical connections. While the cover 322 may be formed as a separate component from the interface housing 310 to, among other things, facilitate assembly of the facility interface 300 during manufacturing, it is contemplated that the interface connector 302 could be configured in other ways, such as with all or a portion of the cover 322 being formed integrally with the interface housing 310. Similarly, while the illustrated version of the facility interface 300 depicts the shield 308, the mount 340, the guide 342, and other portions of the interface connector 302 as being formed integrally with the interface housing 310, it will be appreciated that these and other components could be formed separately and operatively attached to the interface housing 310, either directly or indirectly in a number of different ways.

[0086] As noted above, in the illustrated version, the interface terminal 306 (more specifically, the plurality of interface power terminals 306P) are operatively attached to the carriage 314 which, in turn, is arranged for movement relative to the shield 308 (as well as the guide 342 and other portions of the interface connector 302) to facilitate changing operation of the interface connector 302 between the retracted mode MR and the extended mode ME. More specifically, the carriage 314 is arranged for movement between a retracted position PR (see Figure 12A) and an extended position PE (see Figure 12D). In the retracted position PR, the interface terminal 306 is disposed in spaced relation from the shield connector face 330 to limit contact of the interface terminal 306 with environmental objects at the shield connector face 330 during operation in the retracted mode MR. In the extended position PE, the interface terminal 306 extends out of the shield aperture 332 and beyond the shield connector face 330 to abut the apparatus terminal 206 in the connected state SC during operation in the extended mode ME. In the illustrated version, the interface terminal 306 is disposed at least partially within the shield aperture 332 in the retracted position PR (see Figure 12A). However, it will be appreciated that the interface terminal 306 could be configured so as to be retracted out of the shield aperture 332 in some versions.

[0087] As is best depicted in Figures 9-10, the carriage 314 includes a plate 348 that supports the interface power terminals 306P which may be connected to wires of the tether T as noted above. While not depicted in the drawings, in some versions the plate 348 or another portion of the carriage 314 may support a circuit board which, in turn, could support the interface power terminals 306P. Furthermore, while the carriage 314 supports the interface power terminals 306P in the illustrated version, it will be appreciated that the carriage 314 could support other interface terminals 306 in some versions (e.g., one or more interface data terminals 306D). Similarly, it will be appreciated that some, but not all, of the interface power terminals 306P could be supported on the carriage 314 in some versions, for example where a ground connected interface power terminal 306P was supported by the shield 308 or another portion of the interface connector 302 instead of on the carriage 314 (not shown). Other configurations are contemplated.

[0088] The plate 348 of the carriage 314 defines a carriage magnet mount 350 supporting the interface magnetic element 304 for concurrent movement with the carriage between the retracted position PR and the extended position PE. The carriage 314 also includes a seat 352 which engages a stop 354 supported by the guide 342, with the stop 354 being arranged to abut the carriage 314 in the retracted position PR (see Figure 13A). More specifically, in the illustrated version, the stop 354 is defined by a pair of fasteners 356 which are disposed in threaded engagement with guide apertures 358 defined in the guide 342 and which are received within respective seats 352 of the carriage 314 to define the adjuster 318 in order to facilitate adjustment of the retracted position PR. However, it will be appreciated that the stop 354 could be configured in other ways, could be operatively attached to the interface connector 302 other than by threaded engagement, and/or could be non-adjustable in some versions. The carriage 314 also includes a spring seat 360 which supports the biasing element 316. As is depicted schematically in Figures 12A-13D, the biasing element 316 is interposed between the interface housing 310 and the carriage 314 to urge the carriage 314 away from the shield 308 and towards the retracted position PR. Here, it will be appreciated that the biasing element 316 and the adj uster 318 can be configured so as to facilitate adj ustment of the retracted position PR while also ensuring that the carriage 314 is biased towards the retracted position PR during an absence of the magnetic attraction occurring between the interface magnetic element 304 and the apparatus magnetic element 204. [0089] As noted above, the interface housing 310 supports one or more auxiliary interface magnetic elements 320. To this end, the interface housing 310 defines a plurality of interface magnet mounts 362 arranged in the interface pocket 326 and shaped to receive one of the auxiliary interface magnetic elements 320 described above. In the illustrated version, and as is best depicted in Figure 9, relief bosses 364 are defined in the interface housing 310 adjacent to the interface magnetic elements 304 to accommodate at least a portion of the interface magnetic elements 304 when the carriage 314 is in the extended position PE (see Figure 13D). It will be appreciated that this configuration may help position the interface magnetic element 304 in close proximity to the shield connector face 330, but may be omitted in some versions.

[0090] In some versions, the connection system 198 may include one or more state sensors 366 to determine changes between the connected state SC and the disconnected state SD. In the illustrated version, a state sensor 366 realized as a momentary switch is supported by the interface circuit board 312 and extends into the socket 338 through a sensor seat 368 defined in the shield 308 to sense abutment with the apparatus connector face 220 in the connected state SC. However, it will be appreciated that the state sensor 366 could be configured in a number of different ways to determine changes in operation between the connected state SC and the disconnected state SD, including without limitation various arrangements of switches, buttons, potentiometers, encoders, hall-effect sensors, and the like. Other configurations are contemplated. In some versions, the state sensor 366 may be disposed in electrical communication with the infrastructure controller 186 or other portions of the facility F (e.g., to facilitate operation of the external power source 157), and/or in electrical communication with the apparatus controller 156 or other portions of the control system 154 (e.g., to facilitate operation of the power converter 164). Other configurations are contemplated. In some versions, the state sensor 366 may be arranged so as to be triggered after one or more electrical connections are made via the connection system 198 in the connected state SC, and may be the first component to disconnect when moving out of the connected state SC. Here too, other configurations are contemplated, including where the various terminals of the connection system 198 are arranged so as to have certain terminals engage or otherwise abut each other before other terminals.

[0091] It will be appreciated that the state sensor 366 could be supported on or otherwise realized as a part of the facility interface 300 and/or the apparatus interface 200, and that multiple state sensors 366 of different types could be employed. In some versions, the state sensor 366 could be configured to sense changes in operation between the connected state SC and the disconnected state SD via contactless interaction between a sensor and an emitter (not shown). In some versions, the state sensor 366 could be defined based on an electrical path which is closed during operation in the connected state SC (e.g., via one or more apparatus data terminals 206D and one or more interface data terminals 306D). In some versions, signals from the state sensor 366 could be utilized to facilitate changes in operation of one or more components or systems of the facility F (e.g., initializing or changing delivery of power P) and/or of the patient support apparatus 100 (e.g., changing operation of powered devices PD). Other configurations are contemplated.

[0092] In this way, the configuration of the apparatus interface 200 and the facility interface 300 of the connection system 198 described in connection with Figures 1-13D affords significant opportunities for improved usability and safety associated with operating patient support apparatuses 100 which employ powered devices PD driven by batteries 159. By way of illustrative example, in scenarios where the facility F is configured such that the external power source 157 provides Alternating Current power (e.g., 110-220 VAC at 50-60 Hz), the shield 308 promotes significantly safe handling of the facility interface 300 via the shield 308 limiting contact of the interface power terminals 306P with environmental objects such as the caregiver’s body, portions of the patient support apparatus 100, or other objects across which power P could otherwise be transferred (e.g., conventional electrical connectors with “hot” contacts; not shown). Furthermore, the breakaway functionality afforded by the connection system 198 helps prevent inadvertent damage to the apparatus interface 200 and the facility interface 300, as well as to other portions of the patient support apparatus 100 and the facility F. Here too, because the facility interface 300 automatically changes operation from the extended mode ME to the retracted mode ME in response to movement of the interface connector 302 away from the apparatus connector 202, such as resulting from external force acting between the apparatus connector 202 and the interface connector 302 which releases the apparatus connector 202 and the interface connector 302 from the connected state SC, the patient support apparatus 100 can be safely and quickly moved away from the facility interface 300 in the disconnected state SD whether or not the external force was intentional or unintentional. Moreover, the versions of the connection system 198 described herein and illustrated throughout the drawings each afford opportunities for improved charging of the battery 159 of the patient support apparatus 100 in that the caregiver can quickly and easily attach the apparatus interface 200 and the facility interface 300 together in the connected state CS to facilitate charging the battery 159 with power P from the external power source 157 of the facility F. [0093] As noted above, another version of the apparatus interface and the facility interface of the patient support system is depicted in Figures 14-19B. As will be appreciated from the subsequent description below, the version depicted in Figures 14-19B is similar to the version described above in connection with Figures 1-13D. Accordingly, the components and structural features of the version depicted in Figures 14-19B that are the same as or that otherwise correspond to the version depicted in Figures 1-13D are provided with the same reference numerals. While the specific differences between these versions will be described in detail below, for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and brevity, only certain structural features and components common between the versions will be described and depicted in detail in the drawings in connection with the version of Figures 14-19B. Unless otherwise indicated, the description of the version depicted in Figures 1-13D may be incorporated by reference with respect to the version depicted in Figures 14-19B without limitation.

[0094] Referring now to Figures 14-19B, a version of the apparatus interface 200 and the facility interface 300 of the connection system 198 of the patient support system 98 is shown. In this version, the facility interface 300 is disposed in electrical communication with the external power source 157 (also referred to herein as “source of alternating current power 157” in some versions). The interface connector 302 of the facility interface 300 supports, among other things, the interface magnetic element 304 (realized as a single element with an elongated, trapezoidal profile in this version) and a plurality of interface terminals 306, including a plurality of interface power terminals 306P. The infrastructure controller 186 is disposed in electrical communication with the plurality of interface power terminals 306P and the source of alternating current power 157, such as via one or more relays 400 controlled by the infrastructure controller 186 (see Figure 2; not shown in detail). Here, the infrastructure controller 186 is operable between an active mode MA and an interrupted mode MI. In the active mode MA, the interface power terminals 306P are electrically coupled to the source of alternating current power 157. In the interrupted mode MI, the power terminals 306P are electrically decoupled from the source of alternating current power 157. The apparatus connector 202 of the apparatus interface 200 supports, among other things, the apparatus magnetic element 204 (realized as a pair of generally cylindrical elements in this version), a carrier 402, and a plurality of apparatus terminals 206. More specifically, in this version, the carrier 402 supports a plurality of apparatus power terminals 206P disposed in electrical communication with the battery 159 (see Figure 2; not shown in detail), and is arranged for sliding movement relative to the apparatus housing 208 along a carrier axis CA between an extended carrier position NE (see Figures 18A-18B) and a retracted carrier position NR (see Figure 18D), as well as one or more intermediate carrier positions therebetween (see Figure 18C; not shown in detail). In this version, contact occurring between the plurality of interface power terminals 306P and the plurality of apparatus power terminals 206P moves the carrier 402 away from the extended carrier position NE and magnetic attraction occurring between the apparatus magnetic element 204 and the interface magnetic element 304 urges the carrier 402 into the retracted carrier position NR to releasably couple the facility interface 300 to the apparatus interface 200 in the connected state SC. Here, the infrastructure controller 186 is configured to change operation from the interrupted mode MI to the active mode MA in response to determining operation in the connected state SC to electrically couple the source of alternating current power 157 with the charger 164 to facilitate charging the battery 159.

[0095] In comparison with the version depicted in Figures 1-13D, the version of the connection system 198 depicted in Figures 14-19B employs a different strategy to ensure safe handling of the components of the apparatus interface 200 and the facility interface 300 while still limiting external contact with terminals that may become disposed in communication with the external power source 157. As noted above and as is described in greater detail below, in this version the infrastructure controller 186 does not direct the source of alternating current power 157 to the interface power terminals 306P until it has determined that the facility interface 300 and the apparatus interface 200 are coupled together in the connected state SC. While this determination can be made in a number of different ways as described in greater detail below, it will be appreciated that this configuration helps promote safe handling of the interface connector 302. Here too, and as is best depicted in Figure 18 A, the interface connector 302 defines an interface connector face 404 which is similar to the shield connector face 330 described above in connection with the version depicted in Figures 1-13D in that the interface power terminals 306B are arranged in spaced relation from the shield connector face 330 in a recessed configuration so as to limit contact with external or environmental objects. However, in this version the interface power terminals 306B are not supported for movement relative to the interface connector face 404 and are coupled to the interface housing 310.

[0096] The infrastructure controller 186 may be configured in some versions to determine changes in operation between the connected state SC and the disconnected state SD in order to, among other things, control how power is or is not directed to one or more of the interface terminals 306. In some versions, the infrastructure controller 186 or some other component of the patient support system 98 may determine to completely disconnect the external power source 157 from the facility interface 300, such as by operating in the interrupted mode MI to prevent the source of alternating current power 157 from directing power to one or more of the interface power terminals 306. However, other configurations are contemplated, and power may be controlled in other ways, such as by varying how much power is provided based such as on determination of the connected state SC and/or based on one or more sensors as described in greater detail below.

[0097] In some versions, the interface connector 302 supports an interface sensing element 406, and the apparatus connector 202 supports an apparatus sensing element 408, and interaction between the interface sensing element 406 and the apparatus sensing element 408 can be used to determine operation in the connected state SC. For example, one or more of the interface sensing element 406 and the apparatus sensing element 408 could be configured similarly to the state sensor 366 described above. In the version depicted in Figures 14-19B, the interface sensing element 406 is disposed in electrical communication with the infrastructure controller 186 which, in turn, is configured to determine operation in the connected state SC based on releasable attachment of the interface connector 302 with the apparatus connector 202 placing the interface sensing element 406 in a predetermined element arrangement AR relative to the apparatus sensing element 408 (see Figure 18D). In the representative version illustrated herein, the interface sensing element 406 is further defined as one or more of the interface data terminals 306D, and the apparatus sensing element 408 is further defined as one or more of the apparatus data terminals 206D arranged to abut the one or more interface data terminals 306D in the connected state SC to defined the predetermined element arrangement AR. For example, in some versions the apparatus interface 200 may include first and second apparatus data terminals 206D1, 206D2, and the facility interface 300 may include first and second interface data terminals 306D1, 306D2 which are arranged to respectively engage the first and second apparatus data terminals 206D1, 206D2 for electrical communication in the connected state SC. As is depicted schematically in Figure 14, the first and second apparatus data terminals 206D1, 206D2 may be disposed in electrical communication with each other (e.g., via a wire, a trace on a circuit board, and the like; not shown) such that operation in the connected state SC places the first and second interface data terminals 306D1, 306D2 in electrical communication with each other but operation in the disconnected state SD places the first interface data terminals 306D1 out of electrical communication with the second interface data terminal 306D2. Here, the infrastructure controller 186 may be configured to transmit a sensing signal, such as a relatively low voltage signal (e.g., a 3.3 VDC or 5 VDC signal) to the first interface data terminal 306D1 and to look for the same sensing signal being received at the second interface data terminal 306D2 to determine operation in the connected state SC. However, as noted above, the infrastructure controller 186 could determine operation in the connected state SC in a number of different ways, and other configurations are contemplated.

[0098] As is best illustrated by sequentially viewing Figures 18A-18D, this version of the connection system 198 is configured so that during attachment of the interface connector 302 to the apparatus connector 202, the physical contact and engagement between the interface power terminals 306P and the apparatus power terminals 206P occurs at a location arranged such that these terminals 306P, 206P are shielded from contact with external or environmental objects by the shape and configuration of the interface housing 310 (similar to the plug 226 described above) the interface housing 310 in this version) and of the apparatus housing 208 (similar to the lip 334 described above). Here too, this engagement also occurs prior to contact between the interface data terminals 306D and the apparatus data terminals 206D which is used to define the connected state SC used by the infrastructure controller 186 to change operation from the interrupted mode MI to the active mode MA. As will be appreciated from the subsequent description below, because engagement between the interface power terminals 306P and the apparatus power terminals 206P is established prior to the change in operation into the active mode MA and is maintained by the carrier 402 as the connected state SC is achieved, arcing across power terminals 306P, 206P is significantly mitigated. Here too, the use of interface power terminals 306P and the power terminals 206P which are realized as solid electrical pins or contacts, rather than as pogo-pins, further promotes arc mitigation, whereby the apparatus interface 200 includes a carrier biasing element 410 arranged to urge the carrier 402 towards the extended carrier position NE. As will be appreciated from the subsequent description below, this configuration does not rely on the use of biasing elements which are disposed in the electrical load path to maintain engagement between the power terminals 306P, 206P, such as would otherwise be the case with the use of pogo pins that can potentially wear, stick, or weaken at different rates from each other in ways that could increase the risk of arcing. Here in the illustrated version, the carrier biasing element 410 is disposed out of electrical communication with the apparatus power terminals 206P, is outside of the electrical path created between the engaged power terminals 306P, 206P, and exerts biasing force on the carrier 402 to urge the carrier 402 towards a the extended carrier position NE which, in turn, urges the apparatus power terminals 206P into engagement with the interface power terminals 306P in a consistent and evenly-distributed way. While the illustrated version utilizes power terminals 206P, 306P with generally cylindrical profiles, some of which may employ domed or cupped contact faces, it will be appreciated that other configurations are contemplated. By way of non-limiting example, one or more of the terminals 206, 306 could be realized with annular profiles.

[0099] In the illustrated version, the plurality of apparatus power terminals 206P extend from the carrier 402 to respective terminal ends 412 (also referred to herein as “contact pads 218” when referring to apparatus terminals 206 or as “contact faces 324” when referring to interface terminals 306 for some versions) defining a reference plane PN which is spaced at a first plane distance Pl from the apparatus data terminals 206P (or some other reference location) when the carrier 402 is in the extended carrier position NE (see Figures 18A-18B), and at a second plane distance P2 from the apparatus data terminals 206P (or some other reference location as noted above) when the carrier 402 is arranged in the retracted carrier position NR (see Figure 18D), the second plane distance P2 being smaller than the first plane distance Pl. The reference plane PN defined by the terminal ends 412 of the apparatus power terminals 206P is spaced from the apparatus connector face 220, and movement of the carrier 402 from the extended carrier position NE to the retracted carrier position NR moves the reference plane PN towards the apparatus connector face 220 (see Figures 18A-18D). The carrier axis CA is arranged substantially perpendicularly to the reference plane PN in the illustrated version. As shown in Figure 18D, the apparatus connector face 220 is spaced from and arranged substantially parallel to the interface connector face 404 during operation in the connected state SC.

[0100] The apparatus data terminals 206D are spaced out of contact with the interface data terminals 306D when the apparatus power terminals 206P are brought into abutment with the interface power terminals 306P when the carrier 402 is arranged in the extended carrier position NE (see Figure 18B), and the apparatus power terminals 206P remain in abutment with the interface power terminals 306P as the carrier 402 moves towards the retracted carrier position NR (see Figure 18C and Figure 18D).

[0101] The apparatus data terminals 206D move out of contact with the interface data terminals 306D as the carrier 402 moves out of the retracted carrier position NR (see Figure 18D) and towards the extended carrier position NE (see Figure 18C and Figure 18B). Here, the infrastructure controller 185 is configured to change operation from the active mode MA to the interrupted mode MI in response to determining that the apparatus data terminals 206D have moved out of contact with the interface data terminals 306D (compare Figure 18D with Figure 18C), and the apparatus power terminals 206P remain in abutment with the interface power terminals 306P during operation in the interrupted mode MI as the carrier 402 moves away from the retracted carrier position NR towards the extended carrier position NE (compare Figure 18D, Figure 18C, and Figure 18B).

[0102] In this version, the carrier 402 is supported for sliding movement along the carrier axis CA as noted above, and is also supported for rotation about the carrier axis CA. To this end, and as is best depicted in Figures 15-16 and 18A-18D, the carrier 402 generally includes a carrier mount 414 which defines a carrier bore 416 arranged along the carrier axis CA, and a plurality of carrier guides 418 spaced from the carrier axis CA and each supporting a respective one of the apparatus power terminals 206P for concurrent movement between the extended carrier position NE and the retracted carrier position NR. Here, a fastener 356 realized such as by a shoulder bolt engages the carrier bore 416 to slidably and rotatably support the carrier 402 along the carrier axis CA. A threaded insert 420 coupled to the apparatus housing 208, along with a washer 422, supports the fastener 356 which, in turn, supports the carrier biasing element 410 in engagement with the carrier 402 in the illustrated version. The apparatus connector face 220 defines a plurality of guide seats 424 which are each shaped and arranged to receive a respective one of the plurality of carrier guides 418 therein. In the illustrated version, the carrier guides 418 have generally elongated cylindrical profiles, and the guide seats 424 are realized as generally cylindrical apertures. However, it will be appreciated that other configurations are contemplated.

[0103] As is best depicted in Figures 19A-19B, the carrier guides 418 are arranged relative to their respective guide seats 424 to permit movement of the carrier 402 away from the extended carrier position NE in response to an even application of force acting on the apparatus power terminals 206P (for example, as described above in connection with Figures 18A-18D), and to inhibit movement of the carrier 402 away from the extended carrier position NE in response to an uneven application of force acting on the apparatus power terminals 206P effecting rotation of the carrier 402 about the carrier axis CA (see Figure 19B and compare with Figure 19A). This arrangement helps ensure proper sliding movement of the carrier 402 when moving the apparatus interface 200 into releasable engagement with the facility interface 300 while, at the same time, helping to prevent movement of the carrier 402 in scenarios where unintended contact occurs between one or more of the apparatus power terminals 206P and external or environmental objects. Here too it will be appreciated that the facility interface 300 and the apparatus interface 200 of this version are configured so as to inhibit the accumulation of external contaminants, in particular fluids which could otherwise potentially cause electrical shorting between different terminals 206, 306. [0104] As noted above, the version of the connection system 198 depicted in Figures 14-19B affords significant advantages relating to mitigation of arcing between power terminals 206P, 306P as the facility interface 300 comes into and out of releasable engagement in the connected state SC with the apparatus interface 200 based on, among other things, the coordination of the engagement timing of the power terminals 206P, 306 relative to the engagement timing of the data terminals 206D, 306D and the corresponding change in operation between the active mode MA and the inactive mode Ml.

[0105] In some versions, either as an alternative to or in addition to the functionality described above in connection with changing between the active mode MA and the inactive mode MI based on the determination of the connected state SC, the infrastructure controller 186 and/or one or more components additional components may be utilized by the patient support system 98 to help prevent arcing between terminals 206, 306, such as to detect failure modes, the accumulation of debris, impartial connections, intermittent connection, and the like. To this end, the infrastructure controller 186 may be configured to monitor current in the connected state SC during operation in the active mode MA and to change operation from the active mode MA to the inactive mode MI in response to the monitored current exceeding a predetermined current threshold. In some versions, a temperature sensor S (see Figure 2; not shown in detail) may be disposed in electrical communication with the infrastructure controller 186 and arranged to sense a temperature of one or more of the interface connector 302 and the apparatus connector 202, and the infrastructure controller 186 is further configured to monitor the temperature sensor S in the connected state SC during operation in the active mode MA and to change operation from the from the active mode MA to the inactive mode MI in response to the temperature sensor S sensing a temperature exceeding a predetermined temperature threshold. Here, for example, power could be interrupted, or at least partially limited, based on changes in temperature sensed by the temperature sensor.

[0106] In some versions, an engagement sensor S (see Figure 2; not shown in detail) may be disposed in electrical communication with the infrastructure controller 186 and operatively attached to the interface connector 302 to detect user engagement with the interface connector 302, and the infrastructure controller 186 is further configured to monitor the engagement sensor S in the connected state SC during operation in the active mode MA and to change operation from the from the active mode MA to the inactive mode MI in response to the engagement sensor S sensing user engagement with the interface connector 302. Here, for example, power could be interrupted, or at least partially limited, based on user engagement sensed by the engagement sensor S which indicates that a user is about to attempt to disconnect the interface connector 302 from the apparatus connector 202.

[0107] In some versions, a force sensor S (see Figure 2; not shown in detail) may be disposed in electrical communication with the infrastructure controller 186 and operatively attached to the interface connector 302 to detect force acting on the interface connector 302, and the infrastructure controller 186 is further configured to monitor the force sensor S in the connected state SC during operation in the active mode MA and to change operation from the from the active mode MA to the inactive mode MI in response to the force sensor S sensing a predetermined applied force acting on the interface connector 302 (e.g., above a certain magnitude and/or in a certain direction or directions). Here, for example, power could be interrupted, or at least partially limited, based on force sensed in a direction and/or amount which is likely to result in disconnection of the interface connector 302 from the apparatus connector 202.

[0108] It will be appreciated that the forgoing are illustrative and non-limiting examples, and that other configurations and arrangements of sensors S of similar or other types could be employed, either together or separately, with one or more of the exemplary sensors described above. In some sensors S may be responsive to touch, engagement, force, proximity, and the like. In some versions, resistance monitoring across terminals 306, 206 could be used to inform caregivers when cleaning and/or service may be required. Similarly, one or more optical sensors S of various types could be arranged to sense carbon build-up on terminals 206, 306, which might otherwise interfere with contact between the power terminals 206P, 306P and/or which results in contact degradation over time. Moreover, voltage and/or current monitoring, as well as monitoring for status changes over time which may indicate issues (e.g., a time based delay if current is not detected but the connection of the data terminals 206D, 306D has been determined), could be used to evaluate the quality of the connection in the connected state SC and could inform changes between the modes MI, MA, the need for service or maintenance, and the like. Other configurations are contemplated.

[0109] As noted above, another version of the apparatus interface and the facility interface of the patient support system is depicted in Figures 20-25B. As will be appreciated from the subsequent description below, the version depicted in Figures 20-25B is similar to the versions described above in connection with Figures 1-13D and Figures 14-19B. Accordingly, the components and structural features of the version depicted in Figures 20-25B that are the same as or that otherwise correspond to the versions depicted in Figures 1-13D and 14-19B are provided with the same reference numerals. While the specific differences between these versions will be described in detail below, for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and brevity, only certain structural features and components common between the versions will be described and depicted in detail in the drawings in connection with the version of Figures 20- 25B. Unless otherwise indicated, the description of the versions depicted in Figures 1-13D and 14-19B may be incorporated by reference with respect to the version depicted in Figures 20- 25 B without limitation.

[0110] Referring now to Figures 20-25B, a version of the apparatus interface 200 and the facility interface 300 of the connection system 198 of the patient support system 98 is shown. In this version, the facility interface 300 is disposed in electrical communication with the external power source 157 in a way that is similar to as is described above in connection with the version depicted in connection with Figures 1-13 in that the infrastructure controller 186 does not necessarily have to interrupt communication between the interface power terminals 306P and the source of alternating current power 157 because the configuration of the interface connector 302 inhibits contact of the interface power terminals 306P with external or environmental objects.

[0111] In this version, the interface connector 302 includes blocking recesses 426 defined in the interface connector face 404 which are each associated with one of the apparatus power terminals 306P and which each respectively include or otherwise define a central region 428, at least one blocking element 430, and at least one relief region 432. The central regions 428 are each arranged to receive their respective apparatus power terminal 306P along a respective terminal axis TA (only one of which is depicted throughout the drawings for illustrative purposes) to releasably couple the apparatus interface 200 and the facility interface 300 together in the connected state SC in response to magnetic attraction occurring between the apparatus magnetic element 204 and the interface magnetic element 304 with the apparatus power terminals 306P abutting the respective interface power terminals 206P to facilitate charging of the battery 159 with the source of alternating current power 157 (see Figure 22; not shown in detail). The at least one blocking elements 430 of the blocking recesses 426 each extend towards their respective central regions 428 and are spaced from the respective terminal axes TA to at least partially limit contact of their respective interface power terminals 306P with external or environmental objects. The at least one relief region 432 of each of the blocking recesses 426 is defined adjacent to its corresponding at least one blocking element 430, and is arranged in communication with its central region 428 to accommodate at least a portion of the respective apparatus power terminal 206P in response to external force acting on the interface connector 302 in a direction transverse to the terminal axes TA (view Figures 24- 25B sequentially) and exceeding the magnetic attraction occurring between the apparatus magnetic element 204 and the interface magnetic element 304 to decouple the interface connector 302 from the apparatus connector 202.

[0112] It will be appreciated that the version of the connection system 198 illustrated in Figures 20-25B is configured so as to be “touch safe” based on the arrangement of the blocking elements 430 of the blocking recesses 426 and the relative arrangement of the interface power terminals 306P therein while, at the same time, allowing the connection system 198 to be disconnected in directions transverse to the terminal axis TA from the connected state SC based on the configuration of the relief regions 432 of the blocking recesses 426 and the relative arrangement and configuration of the apparatus power terminals 206P accommodated therein during a disconnection event occurring in a direction transverse to the terminal axis TA from the connected state SC.

[0113] As is best depicted in Figure 22, the interface power terminals 306P each extend to respective terminal ends 412 which are arranged in the central regions 428 of the blocking recesses 426 and are spaced from the interface connector face 404 along their terminal axes TA. Here, it will be appreciated that spacing the terminal ends 412 of the interface power terminals 306P “below” the interface connector face 404 necessitates that external or environmental objects would have to be sufficiently long to extend along the terminal axis TA in order to reach the terminal end 412 of the interface power terminal 306P, and would also have to be small enough to extend into the central region 428. While a configuration without the blocking elements 430 or relief regions 432 would also prevent wide and/or short environmental objects from reaching the terminal ends 412, such a configuration would also require that disconnection occur substantially along the terminal axis TA.

[0114] As is best depicted in Figure 23, in the illustrated version, each of the blocking recesses 426 employs a plurality of blocking elements 430 arranged radially about its respective terminal axis TA, and a plurality of relief regions 432 interposed radially between the plurality of blocking elements 430. It will be appreciated that utilizing multiple blocking elements helps to prevent larger external or environmental objects (e.g., a caregiver’s finger) from reaching the terminal ends 412 of the interface power terminals 306P. In the illustrated version, the plurality of relief regions 432 of each of the respective blocking recesses 426 are each shaped to accommodate at least a portion of the respective apparatus power terminals 206P in response to external force acting on the interface connector 302 in a respectively different direction transverse to the terminal axis TA from the connected state SC. Put differently, the certain relief regions 432 may be arranged in ways to accommodate common or otherwise expected transverse disconnection scenarios (e.g., bumping into the interface connector 302 from the side). Here too in the illustrated version, each of the plurality of blocking elements 430 respectively includes a first pair of blocking elements 430 A and a second pair of blocking elements 43 OB each extending towards the terminal axis TA to a respective blocking element end 434. A first blocking element distance Bl is defined between the blocking element ends 434 of the first pair of blocking elements 430A, and a second blocking element distance B2 that is larger than the first blocking element distance Bl is defined between the blocking element ends 434 of the second pair of blocking elements 430B. While not depicted in detail throughout the drawings, the smaller configuration of the second pair of blocking elements 430 resulting from the larger second blocking element distance B2 helps optimize open space to account for rotation of the apparatus power terminals 206P at compound angles while still preventing contact of the interface power terminals 306P with external or environmental objects. However, it will be appreciated that other configurations of the blocking recesses 426 are contemplated, including with different quantities and arrangements of blocking elements 430. Other configurations are contemplated.

[0115] Several implementations have been discussed in the foregoing description. However, the implementations discussed herein are not intended to be exhaustive or limit the invention to any particular form. The terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings and the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

[0116] The many features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the detailed specification, and thus, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of the invention which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and variations will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation illustrated and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

[0117] The present disclosure also comprises the following clauses, with specific features laid out in dependent clauses, that may specifically be implemented as described in greater detail with reference to the configurations and drawings above. CLAUSES

I. A patient support system comprising: a patient support apparatus including: a support structure with a patient support deck defining a patient support surface, a battery operatively attached to the support structure, a powered device to perform a powered function of the patient support apparatus, a control system to operate the powered device with power from the battery, and an apparatus interface including an apparatus connector, an apparatus magnetic element, and an apparatus terminal disposed in electrical communication with the control system; and a facility interface for providing selective connection to an external power source to charge the battery of the patient support apparatus, the facility interface including an interface connector having a shield, an interface magnetic element, and an interface terminal disposed in electrical communication with the external power source, the facility interface being operable between: a retracted mode where the shield at least partially limits contact of the interface terminal with environmental objects, and an extended mode where the interface terminal is arranged relative to the shield for abutment with the apparatus terminal, wherein the interface connector changes operation from the retracted mode to the extended mode in response to magnetic attraction occurring between the apparatus magnetic element and the interface magnetic element to releasably couple the apparatus interface and the facility interface in a connected state with the apparatus terminal abutting the interface terminal to facilitate charging of the battery with the external power source.

II. The patient support system of clause I, wherein the facility interface includes a carriage supporting the interface magnetic element and the interface terminal for movement relative to the shield.

III. The patient support system of clause II, wherein the apparatus terminal is further defined as an apparatus power terminal; and wherein the interface terminal is further defined as an interface power terminal arranged to abut the interface power terminal in the connected state to facilitate charging of the battery with the external power source.

IV. The patient support system of clause III, wherein the apparatus interface further includes an apparatus data terminal spaced from the apparatus power terminal and disposed in electrical communication with the control system; and wherein the interface connector further includes an interface data terminal spaced from the interface power terminal and arranged to abut the interface data terminal in the connected state to facilitate data transfer with the control system.

V. The patient support system of clause IV, wherein the shield supports the interface data terminal in spaced relation from the carriage.

V I. The patient support system of any of clauses 1 V- V , wherein the apparatus interface includes a plurality of apparatus power terminals; and wherein the facility interface includes a plurality of interface power terminals.

VII. The patient support system of clause VI, wherein the apparatus interface includes a plurality of apparatus data terminals; and wherein the facility interface includes a plurality of interface data terminals.

VIII. The patient support system of any of clauses II- VII, wherein operation of the facility interface changes between the retracted mode and the extended mode in response to movement of the carriage relative to the shield.

IX. The patient support system of any of clauses II- VIII, wherein the facility interface further includes an interface housing supporting the carriage for movement relative to the shield.

X. The patient support system of clause IX, wherein the facility interface further includes a biasing element interposed between the interface housing and the carriage to urge the carriage away from the shield.

XI. The patient support system of any of clauses IX-X, wherein the interface housing defines the shield.

XII. The patient support system of any of clauses I-XI, wherein the shield defines a shield aperture; and wherein the interface terminal extends out of the shield aperture during operation in the extended mode.

XIII. The patient support system of any of clauses I-XH, wherein the interface connector includes an interface housing defining the shield; and wherein the apparatus connector includes an apparatus housing supporting the apparatus magnetic element and the apparatus terminal.

XIV. The patient support system of clause XIII, wherein the apparatus housing defines an apparatus connector face and a connector face aperture; and wherein the apparatus terminal is supported in the connector face aperture and defines a contact pad arranged substantially flush with the apparatus connector face to inhibit buildup of contaminants along the apparatus connector face.

XV. The patient support system of clause XIV, wherein the shield defines a shield connector face arranged to abut the apparatus connector face in the connected state.

XVI. The patient support system of any of clauses XIV-XV, wherein the apparatus housing defines a plug; and wherein the interface housing includes a lip extending away from the shield to a lip edge to define a socket shaped to receive the plug in the connected state.

XVII. The patient support system of clause XVI, wherein the socket is arranged to receive the plug in keyed alignment to couple the facility interface and the apparatus interface in the connected state.

XVIII. The patient support system of clause XVII, wherein the lip is arranged to abut the plug to prevent coupling during an absence of keyed alignment between the plug and the socket.

XIX. The patient support system of any of clauses XVI-XVIII, wherein the magnetic attraction between the apparatus magnetic element and the interface magnetic element occurs in response to the interface magnetic element being disposed within a threshold distance of the apparatus magnetic element; and wherein the lip edge is spaced from the shield at a lip distance larger than the threshold distance.

XX. The patient support system of any of clauses I-XIX, wherein the support structure of the patient support apparatus includes a base and a litter having an intermediate frame supporting the patient support deck; and wherein the powered device is further defined as a motor of a drive system configured to influence motion of the patient support apparatus along floor surfaces.

XXI. The patient support system of any of clauses I-XX, wherein the support structure of the patient support apparatus includes a base and a litter having an intermediate frame supporting the patient support deck; and wherein the powered device is further defined as a lift actuator arranged to move the litter relative to the base.

XXII. The patient support system of any of clauses I-XXI, wherein the facility interface changes operation from the extended mode to the retracted mode in response to movement of the interface connector away from the apparatus connector resulting from external force acting between the apparatus connector and the interface connector to release the apparatus connector and the interface connector from the connected state to facilitate movement of the patient support apparatus away from the facility interface in a disconnected state.

XXIII. The patient support system of any of clauses I-XXII, wherein the apparatus connector and the interface connector define complementary keyed profiles shaped to releasably engage each other in keyed alignment along an axis.

XXIV. The patient support system of clause XXIII, wherein the apparatus terminal and the interface terminal are arranged relative to each of the respective keyed profiles to facilitate abutment between the apparatus terminal and the interface terminal in response to engagement in the connected state occurring in keyed alignment along the axis.

XXV. The patient support system of clause XXIV, wherein the complementary keyed profiles of the apparatus connector and the interface connector are configured to inhibit releasable engagement with each other during an absence of keyed alignment occurring along the axis.

XXVI. The patient support system of any of clauses I-XXV, wherein the magnetic attraction between the apparatus magnetic element and the interface magnetic element maintains abutment between the interface terminal and the apparatus terminal in the connected state in absence of external forces acting between the apparatus connector and the interface connector.

XXVII. The patient support system of any of clauses I-XXVI, further including a tether extending in electrical communication between the interface terminal of the facility interface and the external power source to facilitate movement of the facility interface.

XXVIII. The patient support system of any of clauses I-XXVII, wherein the facility interface further includes: a guide disposed in spaced relation from the shield; and a carriage movably coupled to the guide and supporting the interface terminal.

XXIX. The patient support system of clause XXVIII, wherein the shield includes a shield connector face defining a shield aperture; and wherein the carriage is arranged for movement relative to the guide between: a retracted position where the interface terminal is disposed in spaced relation from the shield connector face to limit contact of the interface terminal with environmental objects at the shield connector face during operation in the retracted mode, and an extended position where the interface terminal extends out of the shield aperture and beyond the shield connector face to abut the apparatus terminal in the connected state during operation in the extended mode.

XXX. The patient support system of clause XXIX, wherein the interface terminal is disposed at least partially within the shield aperture in the retracted position.

XXXI. The patient support system of any of clauses XXIX-XXX, wherein the carriage defines a carriage magnet mount supporting the interface magnetic element for concurrent movement with the carriage between the retracted position and the extended position.

XXXII. The patient support system of any of clauses XXIX-XXXI, wherein the facility interface further includes a stop operatively attached to the interface connector and arranged to abut the carriage in the retracted position.

XXXIH. The patient support system of any of clauses XXIX-XXXII, wherein the facility interface further includes a biasing element to urge the carriage toward the retracted position.

XXXIV. A patient support system comprising: a facility interface disposed in electrical communication with a source of alternating current power and including: an interface connector supporting an interface magnetic element and a plurality of interface power terminals, and an infrastructure controller disposed in electrical communication with the plurality of interface power terminals and the source of alternating current power, the infrastructure controller being operable between: an active mode where the plurality of interface power terminals are electrically coupled to the source of alternating current power, and an interrupted mode where the plurality of interface power terminals are electrically decoupled from the source of alternating current power; and a patient support apparatus including: a support structure with a patient support deck, a battery operatively attached to the support structure, a charger disposed in electrical communication with the battery, a powered device to perform a powered function of the patient support apparatus, and an apparatus interface including an apparatus connector supporting an apparatus magnetic element and a carrier, the carrier supporting a plurality of apparatus power terminals disposed in electrical communication with the charger, and the carrier being movable between an extended carrier position and a retracted carrier position; wherein contact occurring between the plurality of interface power terminals and the plurality of apparatus power terminals moves the carrier away from the extended carrier position and magnetic attraction occurring between the apparatus magnetic element and the interface magnetic element urges the carrier into the retracted carrier position to releasably couple the facility interface to the apparatus interface in a connected state; and wherein the infrastructure controller changes operation from the interrupted mode to the active mode in response to determining operation in the connected state to electrically couple the source of alternating current power with the charger to facilitate charging the battery.

XXXV. The patient support system of clause XXXIV, wherein the interface connector supports an interface sensing element disposed in electrical communication with the infrastructure controller; wherein the apparatus connector supports an apparatus sensing element; and wherein the infrastructure controller is further configured to determine operation in the connected state based on releasable attachment of the interface connector with the apparatus connector placing the interface sensing element in a predetermined element arrangement relative to the apparatus sensing element.

XXXVI. The patient support system of clause XXXV, wherein the interface sensing element is further defined as one or more interface data terminals; and wherein the apparatus sensing element is further defined as one or more apparatus data terminals arranged to abut the one or more interface data terminals in the connected state to define the predetermined element arrangement.

XXXVII. The patient support system of clause XXXVI, wherein the one or more interface data terminals includes a first interface data terminal and a second interface data terminal; wherein the one or more apparatus data terminals includes a first apparatus data terminal and a second apparatus data terminal disposed in electrical communication with the first apparatus data terminal; wherein the first interface data terminal is arranged to abut the first apparatus data terminal in the connected state; wherein the second interface data terminal is arranged to abut the second apparatus data terminal in the connected state; and wherein the infrastructure controller is further configured to transmit a sensing signal to the first interface data terminal and to receive the sensing signal at the second interface data terminal in the connected state.

XXXVIII. The patient support system of any of clauses XXXVI-XXXVII, wherein the plurality of apparatus power terminals extend from the carrier to respective terminal ends defining a reference plane; wherein the reference plane is spaced at a first plane distance from the one or more apparatus data terminals when the carrier is arranged in the extended carrier position; wherein the reference plane is spaced at a second plane distance from the one or more apparatus data terminals when the carrier is arranged in the retracted carrier position, the second plane distance being smaller than the first plane distance. XXXIX. The patient support system of clause XXXVIII, wherein the one or more apparatus data terminals are spaced out of contact with the one or more interface data terminals when the plurality of apparatus power terminals are brought into abutment with the plurality of interface power terminals when the carrier is arranged in the extended carrier position.

XL. The patient support system of clause XXXIX, wherein the plurality of apparatus power terminals remain in abutment with the plurality of interface power terminals as the carrier moves towards the retracted carrier position.

XLI. The patient support system of clause XL, wherein the one or more apparatus data terminals move out of contact with the one or more interface data terminals as the carrier moves out of the retracted carrier position.

XLII. The patient support system of clause XLI, wherein the infrastructure controller is further configured to change operation from the active mode to the interrupted mode in response to determining that the one or more apparatus data terminals have moved out of contact with the one or more interface data terminals.

XLIII. The patient support system of any of clauses XLI-XLII, wherein the plurality of apparatus power terminals remain in abutment with the plurality of interface power terminals during operation in the interrupted mode as the carrier moves away from the retracted carrier position towards the extended carrier position.

XLIV. The patient support system of any of clauses XXXIV-XLIII, wherein the plurality of apparatus power terminals each comprise a solid electrical pin.

XLV. The patient support system of clause XLIV, wherein the apparatus interface further includes a carrier biasing element arranged to urge the carrier towards the extended carrier position.

XL VI. The patient support system of clause XLV, wherein the carrier biasing element is disposed out of electrical communication with the plurality of apparatus power terminals.

XL VII. The patient support system of any of clauses XXXIV-XLVI, wherein the carrier is supported for sliding movement along a carrier axis between the extended carrier position and the retracted carrier position.

XL VIII. The patient support system of clause XLVII, wherein the carrier is supported for rotation about the carrier axis.

XLIX. The patient support system of clause XLVIII, wherein the carrier includes a carrier mount defining the carrier axis, and a plurality of carrier guides spaced from the carrier axis and each supporting a respective one of the plurality of apparatus power terminals for concurrent movement between the extended carrier position and the retracted carrier position. L. The patient support system of clause XLIX, wherein the apparatus connector includes an apparatus connector face defining a plurality of guide seats each shaped and arranged to receive one of the plurality of carrier guides therein.

LI. The patient support system of clause L, wherein the plurality of apparatus power terminals extend from the plurality of carrier guides to respective terminal ends defining a reference plane spaced from the apparatus connector face; and wherein movement of the carrier from the extended carrier position towards the retracted carrier position moves the reference plane towards the apparatus connector face.

LII. The patient support system of clause LI, wherein the carrier axis is arranged substantially perpendicularly to the reference plane.

LIII. The patient support system of any of clauses L-LII, wherein the plurality of carrier guides are arranged relative to the plurality of guide seats to permit movement of the carrier away from the extended carrier position in response to an even application of force acting on the plurality of apparatus power terminals, and to inhibit movement of the carrier away from the extended carrier position in response to an uneven application of force acting on the plurality of apparatus power terminals effecting rotation of the carrier about the carrier axis.

LIV. The patient support system of any of clauses XXXIV-LIII, wherein the infrastructure controller is further configured to monitor current in the connected state during operation in the active mode, and to change operation from the active mode to the interrupted mode in response to the monitored current exceeding a predetermined current threshold.

LV. The patient support system of any of clauses XXXIV-LIV, further comprising a temperature sensor disposed in electrical communication with the infrastructure controller and arranged to sense a temperature of one or more of the interface connector and the apparatus connector; and wherein the infrastructure controller is further configured to monitor the temperature sensor in the connected state during operation in the active mode, and to change operation from the active mode to the interrupted mode in response to the temperature sensor sensing a temperature exceeding a predetermined temperature threshold.

LVI. The patient support system of any of clauses XXXIV-LV, further comprising an engagement sensor disposed in electrical communication with the infrastructure controller and operatively attached to the interface connector to detect user engagement with the interface connector; and wherein the infrastructure controller is further configured to monitor the engagement sensor in the connected state during operation in the active mode, and to change operation from the active mode to the interrupted mode in response to the engagement sensor sensing user engagement with the interface connector.

LVII. The patient support system of any of clauses XXXIV-LVI, further comprising an force sensor disposed in electrical communication with the infrastructure controller and operatively attached to the interface connector to detect force acting on the interface connector; and wherein the infrastructure controller is further configured to monitor the force sensor in the connected state during operation in the active mode, and to change operation from the active mode to the interrupted mode in response to the force sensor sensing a predetermined applied force acting on the interface connector.

LVIII. A patient support system comprising: a patient support apparatus including: a support structure with a patient support deck, a battery operatively attached to the support structure, a charger disposed in electrical communication with the battery, a powered device to perform a powered function of the patient support apparatus, and an apparatus interface including an apparatus connector having an apparatus connector face and supporting an apparatus magnetic element and an apparatus power terminal disposed in electrical communication with the charger and extending from the apparatus connector face to an apparatus terminal end; and a facility interface disposed in electrical communication with a source of alternating current power and including: an interface connector having an interface connector face and supporting an interface magnetic element and an interface power terminal electrically coupled to the source of alternating current power, the interface connector including a blocking recess defined in the interface connector face and having: a central region arranged to receive the apparatus power terminal along a terminal axis to releasably couple the apparatus interface and the facility interface in a connected state in response to magnetic attraction occurring between the apparatus magnetic element and the interface magnetic element with the apparatus power terminal abutting the interface power terminal to facilitate charging of the battery with the source of alternating current power, at least one blocking element extending towards the central region and spaced from the terminal axis to at least partially limit contact of the interface power terminal with environmental objects, and at least one relief region defined adjacent to the at least one blocking element and arranged in communication with the central region to accommodate at least a portion of the apparatus power terminal in response to external force acting on the interface connector in a direction transverse to the terminal axis and exceeding the magnetic attraction occurring between the apparatus magnetic element and the interface magnetic element to decouple the interface connector from the apparatus connector.

LIX. The patient support system of clause LVIII, wherein the apparatus connector supports a plurality of apparatus power terminals; and wherein the interface connector supports a plurality of apparatus power terminals and includes a plurality of blocking recesses each arranged to receive a respective one of the plurality of apparatus power terminals.

LX. The patient support system of any of clauses LVIII-LIX, wherein the interface power terminal extends to an interface terminal end arranged in the central region of the blocking recess and spaced from the interface connector face along the terminal axis.

LXI. The patient support system of any of clauses LVIII-LX, wherein the at least one blocking element is further defined as a plurality of blocking elements arranged radially about the terminal axis; and wherein the at least one relief region is further defined as a plurality of relief regions interposed radially between the plurality of blocking elements.

LXII. The patient support system of clause LXI, wherein the plurality of relief regions are each shaped to accommodate at least a portion of the apparatus power terminal in response to external force acting on the interface connector in a respectively different direction transverse to the terminal axis.

LXIII. The patient support system of any of clauses LXI-LXII, wherein the plurality of blocking elements includes a first pair of blocking elements and a second pair of blocking elements each extending towards the terminal axis to a respective blocking element end; wherein a first blocking element distance is defined between the blocking element ends of the first pair of blocking elements; and wherein a second blocking element distance, larger than the first blocking element distance, is defined between the blocking element ends of the second pair of blocking elements.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A patient support system comprising: a patient support apparatus including: a support structure with a patient support deck defining a patient support surface, a battery operatively attached to the support structure, a powered device to perform a powered function of the patient support apparatus, a control system to operate the powered device with power from the battery, and an apparatus interface including an apparatus connector, an apparatus magnetic element, and an apparatus terminal disposed in electrical communication with the control system; and a facility interface for providing selective connection to an external power source to charge the battery of the patient support apparatus, the facility interface including an interface connector having a shield, an interface magnetic element, and an interface terminal disposed in electrical communication with the external power source, the facility interface being operable between: a retracted mode where the shield at least partially limits contact of the interface terminal with environmental objects, and an extended mode where the interface terminal is arranged relative to the shield for abutment with the apparatus terminal, wherein the interface connector changes operation from the retracted mode to the extended mode in response to magnetic attraction occurring between the apparatus magnetic element and the interface magnetic element to releasably couple the apparatus interface and the facility interface in a connected state with the apparatus terminal abutting the interface terminal to facilitate charging of the battery with the external power source.

2. The patient support system of claim 1, wherein the facility interface includes a carriage supporting the interface magnetic element and the interface terminal for movement relative to the shield.

3. The patient support system of claim 2, wherein the apparatus terminal is further defined as an apparatus power terminal; and wherein the interface terminal is further defined as an interface power terminal arranged to abut the interface power terminal in the connected state to facilitate charging of the battery with the external power source.

4. The patient support system of claim 3, wherein the apparatus interface further includes an apparatus data terminal spaced from the apparatus power terminal and disposed in electrical communication with the control system; and wherein the interface connector further includes an interface data terminal spaced from the interface power terminal and arranged to abut the interface data terminal in the connected state to facilitate data transfer with the control system.

5. The patient support system of claim 4, wherein the shield supports the interface data terminal in spaced relation from the carriage.

6. The patient support system of claim 4, wherein the apparatus interface includes a plurality of apparatus power terminals; and wherein the facility interface includes a plurality of interface power terminals.

7. The patient support system of claim 6, wherein the apparatus interface includes a plurality of apparatus data terminals; and wherein the facility interface includes a plurality of interface data terminals.

8. The patient support system of claim 2, wherein operation of the facility interface changes between the retracted mode and the extended mode in response to movement of the carriage relative to the shield.

9. The patient support system of claim 2, wherein the facility interface further includes an interface housing supporting the carriage for movement relative to the shield.

10. The patient support system of claim 9, wherein the facility interface further includes a biasing element interposed between the interface housing and the carriage to urge the carriage away from the shield.

11. The patient support system of claim 9, wherein the interface housing defines the shield.

12. The patient support system of claim 1, wherein the shield defines a shield aperture; and wherein the interface terminal extends out of the shield aperture during operation in the extended mode.

13. The patient support system of claim 1 , wherein the interface connector includes an interface housing defining the shield; and wherein the apparatus connector includes an apparatus housing supporting the apparatus magnetic element and the apparatus terminal.

14. The patient support system of claim 13, wherein the apparatus housing defines an apparatus connector face and a connector face aperture; and wherein the apparatus terminal is supported in the connector face aperture and defines a contact pad arranged substantially flush with the apparatus connector face to inhibit buildup of contaminants along the apparatus connector face.

15. The patient support system of claim 14, wherein the shield defines a shield connector face arranged to abut the apparatus connector face in the connected state.

16. The patient support system of claim 14, wherein the apparatus housing defines a plug; and wherein the interface housing includes a lip extending away from the shield to a lip edge to define a socket shaped to receive the plug in the connected state.

17. The patient support system of claim 16, wherein the socket is arranged to receive the plug in keyed alignment to couple the facility interface and the apparatus interface in the connected state.

18. The patient support system of claim 17, wherein the lip is arranged to abut the plug to prevent coupling during an absence of keyed alignment between the plug and the socket.

19. The patient support system of claim 16, wherein the magnetic attraction between the apparatus magnetic element and the interface magnetic element occurs in response to the interface magnetic element being disposed within a threshold distance of the apparatus magnetic element; and wherein the lip edge is spaced from the shield at a lip distance larger than the threshold distance.

20. The patient support system of claim 1, wherein the support structure of the patient support apparatus includes a base and a litter having an intermediate frame supporting the patient support deck; and wherein the powered device is further defined as a motor of a drive system configured to influence motion of the patient support apparatus along floor surfaces.

21. The patient support system of claim 1, wherein the support structure of the patient support apparatus includes a base and a litter having an intermediate frame supporting the patient support deck; and wherein the powered device is further defined as a lift actuator arranged to move the litter relative to the base.

22. The patient support system of claim 1, wherein the facility interface changes operation from the extended mode to the retracted mode in response to movement of the interface connector away from the apparatus connector resulting from external force acting between the apparatus connector and the interface connector to release the apparatus connector and the interface connector from the connected state to facilitate movement of the patient support apparatus away from the facility interface in a disconnected state.

23. The patient support system of claim 1, wherein the apparatus connector and the interface connector define complementary keyed profiles shaped to releasably engage each other in keyed alignment along an axis.

24. The patient support system of claim 23, wherein the apparatus terminal and the interface terminal are arranged relative to each of the respective keyed profiles to facilitate abutment between the apparatus terminal and the interface terminal in response to engagement in the connected state occurring in keyed alignment along the axis.

25. The patient support system of claim 24, wherein the complementary keyed profiles of the apparatus connector and the interface connector are configured to inhibit releasable engagement with each other during an absence of keyed alignment occurring along the axis.

26. The patient support system of claim 1, wherein the magnetic attraction between the apparatus magnetic element and the interface magnetic element maintains abutment between the interface terminal and the apparatus terminal in the connected state in absence of external forces acting between the apparatus connector and the interface connector.

27. The patient support system of claim 1, further including a tether extending in electrical communication between the interface terminal of the facility interface and the external power source to facilitate movement of the facility interface.

28. The patient support system of claim 1, wherein the facility interface further includes: a guide disposed in spaced relation from the shield; and a carriage movably coupled to the guide and supporting the interface terminal.

29. The patient support system of claim 28, wherein the shield includes a shield connector face defining a shield aperture; and wherein the carriage is arranged for movement relative to the guide between: a retracted position where the interface terminal is disposed in spaced relation from the shield connector face to limit contact of the interface terminal with environmental objects at the shield connector face during operation in the retracted mode, and an extended position where the interface terminal extends out of the shield aperture and beyond the shield connector face to abut the apparatus terminal in the connected state during operation in the extended mode.

30. The patient support system of claim 29, wherein the interface terminal is disposed at least partially within the shield aperture in the retracted position.

31. The patient support system of claim 29, wherein the carriage defines a carriage magnet mount supporting the interface magnetic element for concurrent movement with the carriage between the retracted position and the extended position.

32. The patient support system of claim 29, wherein the facility interface further includes a stop operatively attached to the interface connector and arranged to abut the carriage in the retracted position.

33. The patient support system of claim 29, wherein the facility interface further includes a biasing element to urge the carriage toward the retracted position.

34. A patient support system comprising: a facility interface disposed in electrical communication with a source of alternating current power and including: an interface connector supporting an interface magnetic element and a plurality of interface power terminals, and an infrastructure controller disposed in electrical communication with the plurality of interface power terminals and the source of alternating current power, the infrastructure controller being operable between: an active mode where the plurality of interface power terminals are electrically coupled to the source of alternating current power, and an interrupted mode where the plurality of interface power terminals are electrically decoupled from the source of alternating current power; and a patient support apparatus including: a support structure with a patient support deck, a battery operatively attached to the support structure, a charger disposed in electrical communication with the battery, a powered device to perform a powered function of the patient support apparatus, and an apparatus interface including an apparatus connector supporting an apparatus magnetic element and a carrier, the carrier supporting a plurality of apparatus power terminals disposed in electrical communication with the charger, and the carrier being movable between an extended carrier position and a retracted carrier position; wherein contact occurring between the plurality of interface power terminals and the plurality of apparatus power terminals moves the carrier away from the extended carrier position and magnetic attraction occurring between the apparatus magnetic element and the interface magnetic element urges the carrier into the retracted carrier position to releasably couple the facility interface to the apparatus interface in a connected state; and wherein the infrastructure controller changes operation from the interrupted mode to the active mode in response to determining operation in the connected state to electrically couple the source of alternating current power with the charger to facilitate charging the battery.

35. The patient support system of claim 34, wherein the interface connector supports an interface sensing element disposed in electrical communication with the infrastructure controller; wherein the apparatus connector supports an apparatus sensing element; and wherein the infrastructure controller is further configured to determine operation in the connected state based on releasable attachment of the interface connector with the apparatus connector placing the interface sensing element in a predetermined element arrangement relative to the apparatus sensing element.

36. The patient support system of claim 35, wherein the interface sensing element is further defined as one or more interface data terminals; and wherein the apparatus sensing element is further defined as one or more apparatus data terminals arranged to abut the one or more interface data terminals in the connected state to define the predetermined element arrangement.

37. The patient support system of claim 36, wherein the one or more interface data terminals includes a first interface data terminal and a second interface data terminal; wherein the one or more apparatus data terminals includes a first apparatus data terminal and a second apparatus data terminal disposed in electrical communication with the first apparatus data terminal; wherein the first interface data terminal is arranged to abut the first apparatus data terminal in the connected state; wherein the second interface data terminal is arranged to abut the second apparatus data terminal in the connected state; and wherein the infrastructure controller is further configured to transmit a sensing signal to the first interface data terminal and to receive the sensing signal at the second interface data terminal in the connected state.

38. The patient support system of claim 36, wherein the plurality of apparatus power terminals extend from the carrier to respective terminal ends defining a reference plane; wherein the reference plane is spaced at a first plane distance from the one or more apparatus data terminals when the carrier is arranged in the extended carrier position; wherein the reference plane is spaced at a second plane distance from the one or more apparatus data terminals when the carrier is arranged in the retracted carrier position, the second plane distance being smaller than the first plane distance.

39. The patient support system of claim 38, wherein the one or more apparatus data terminals are spaced out of contact with the one or more interface data terminals when the plurality of apparatus power terminals are brought into abutment with the plurality of interface power terminals when the carrier is arranged in the extended carrier position.

. The patient support system of claim 39, wherein the plurality of apparatus power terminals remain in abutment with the plurality of interface power terminals as the carrier moves towards the retracted carrier position. . The patient support system of claim 40, wherein the one or more apparatus data terminals move out of contact with the one or more interface data terminals as the carrier moves out of the retracted carrier position. . The patient support system of claim 41, wherein the infrastructure controller is further configured to change operation from the active mode to the interrupted mode in response to determining that the one or more apparatus data terminals have moved out of contact with the one or more interface data terminals. . The patient support system of claim 41, wherein the plurality of apparatus power terminals remain in abutment with the plurality of interface power terminals during operation in the interrupted mode as the carrier moves away from the retracted carrier position towards the extended carrier position. . The patient support system of claim 34, wherein the plurality of apparatus power terminals each comprise a solid electrical pin. . The patient support system of claim 44, wherein the apparatus interface further includes a carrier biasing element arranged to urge the carrier towards the extended carrier position.. The patient support system of claim 45, wherein the carrier biasing element is disposed out of electrical communication with the plurality of apparatus power terminals. . The patient support system of claim 34, wherein the carrier is supported for sliding movement along a carrier axis between the extended carrier position and the retracted carrier position. . The patient support system of claim 47, wherein the carrier is supported for rotation about the carrier axis. . The patient support system of claim 48, wherein the carrier includes a carrier mount defining the carrier axis, and a plurality of carrier guides spaced from the carrier axis and each supporting a respective one of the plurality of apparatus power terminals for concurrent movement between the extended carrier position and the retracted carrier position. . The patient support system of claim 49, wherein the apparatus connector includes an apparatus connector face defining a plurality of guide seats each shaped and arranged to receive one of the plurality of carrier guides therein. . The patient support system of claim 50, wherein the plurality of apparatus power terminals extend from the plurality of carrier guides to respective terminal ends defining a reference plane spaced from the apparatus connector face; and wherein movement of the carrier from the extended carrier position towards the retracted carrier position moves the reference plane towards the apparatus connector face.

52. The patient support system of claim 51, wherein the carrier axis is arranged substantially perpendicularly to the reference plane.

53. The patient support system of claim 50, wherein the plurality of carrier guides are arranged relative to the plurality of guide seats to permit movement of the carrier away from the extended carrier position in response to an even application of force acting on the plurality of apparatus power terminals, and to inhibit movement of the carrier away from the extended carrier position in response to an uneven application of force acting on the plurality of apparatus power terminals effecting rotation of the carrier about the carrier axis.

54. The patient support system of claim 34, wherein the infrastructure controller is further configured to monitor current in the connected state during operation in the active mode, and to change operation from the active mode to the interrupted mode in response to the monitored current exceeding a predetermined current threshold.

55. The patient support system of claim 34, further comprising a temperature sensor disposed in electrical communication with the infrastructure controller and arranged to sense a temperature of one or more of the interface connector and the apparatus connector; and wherein the infrastructure controller is further configured to monitor the temperature sensor in the connected state during operation in the active mode, and to change operation from the active mode to the interrupted mode in response to the temperature sensor sensing a temperature exceeding a predetermined temperature threshold.

56. The patient support system of claim 34, further comprising an engagement sensor disposed in electrical communication with the infrastructure controller and operatively attached to the interface connector to detect user engagement with the interface connector; and wherein the infrastructure controller is further configured to monitor the engagement sensor in the connected state during operation in the active mode, and to change operation from the active mode to the interrupted mode in response to the engagement sensor sensing user engagement with the interface connector.

57. The patient support system of claim 34, further comprising an force sensor disposed in electrical communication with the infrastructure controller and operatively attached to the interface connector to detect force acting on the interface connector; and wherein the infrastructure controller is further configured to monitor the force sensor in the connected state during operation in the active mode, and to change operation from the active mode to the interrupted mode in response to the force sensor sensing a predetermined applied force acting on the interface connector. 8. A patient support system comprising: a patient support apparatus including: a support structure with a patient support deck, a battery operatively attached to the support structure, a charger disposed in electrical communication with the battery, a powered device to perform a powered function of the patient support apparatus, and an apparatus interface including an apparatus connector having an apparatus connector face and supporting an apparatus magnetic element and an apparatus power terminal disposed in electrical communication with the charger and extending from the apparatus connector face to an apparatus terminal end; and a facility interface disposed in electrical communication with a source of alternating current power and including: an interface connector having an interface connector face and supporting an interface magnetic element and an interface power terminal electrically coupled to the source of alternating current power, the interface connector including a blocking recess defined in the interface connector face and having: a central region arranged to receive the apparatus power terminal along a terminal axis to releasably couple the apparatus interface and the facility interface in a connected state in response to magnetic attraction occurring between the apparatus magnetic element and the interface magnetic element with the apparatus power terminal abutting the interface power terminal to facilitate charging of the battery with the source of alternating current power, at least one blocking element extending towards the central region and spaced from the terminal axis to at least partially limit contact of the interface power terminal with environmental objects, and at least one relief region defined adjacent to the at least one blocking element and arranged in communication with the central region to accommodate at least a portion of the apparatus power terminal in response to external force acting on the interface connector in a direction transverse to the terminal axis and exceeding the magnetic attraction occurring between the apparatus magnetic element and the interface magnetic element to decouple the interface connector from the apparatus connector.

59. The patient support system of claim 58, wherein the apparatus connector supports a plurality of apparatus power terminals; and wherein the interface connector supports a plurality of apparatus power terminals and includes a plurality of blocking recesses each arranged to receive a respective one of the plurality of apparatus power terminals.

60. The patient support system of claim 58, wherein the interface power terminal extends to an interface terminal end arranged in the central region of the blocking recess and spaced from the interface connector face along the terminal axis.

61. The patient support system of claim 58, wherein the at least one blocking element is further defined as a plurality of blocking elements arranged radially about the terminal axis; and wherein the at least one relief region is further defined as a plurality of relief regions interposed radially between the plurality of blocking elements.

62. The patient support system of claim 61, wherein the plurality of relief regions are each shaped to accommodate at least a portion of the apparatus power terminal in response to external force acting on the interface connector in a respectively different direction transverse to the terminal axis.

63. The patient support system of claim 61, wherein the plurality of blocking elements includes a first pair of blocking elements and a second pair of blocking elements each extending towards the terminal axis to a respective blocking element end; wherein a first blocking element distance is defined between the blocking element ends of the first pair of blocking elements; and wherein a second blocking element distance, larger than the first blocking element distance, is defined between the blocking element ends of the second pair of blocking elements.