Person support apparatuses with load cell error detection
US10260933B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 17, 2016 |
| Grant date | Apr 16, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 6, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01G23/01
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A person support apparatus, such as a bed, stretcher, recliner, cot, or the like, includes a frame, a plurality of load cells, a support surface supported by the load cells, a detection circuit, and a controller. The controller determines if any of the load cells are in an error state based upon information from the detection circuit. If the load cells include memory having calibration data stored therein, the controller communicates with the memory and uses the calibration data to determine an amount of weight supported on the surface. The detection circuit may include one or more Wheatstone bridges wherein the controller monitors voltages between midpoints of the Wheatstone bridges. The load cells may include an activation lead that is monitored by the detection circuit and a sensor lead that is used by the controller to determine an amount of weight supported on the patient support apparatus.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.