Person support apparatuses with acceleration detection
US10478359B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 9, 2016 |
| Grant date | Nov 19, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 26, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61G2203/70
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A person support apparatus, such as a bed, stretcher, cot, recliner, or the like, includes a support surface adapted to support a person, a litter, an accelerometer positioned below the support surface, and a controller that processes signals from the accelerometer to detect the presence or absence of a person on the support surface. In some embodiments, the controller also receives signals from a plurality of force sensors and uses them in combination with the accelerometer outputs to determine if the person has exited the person support apparatus. The controller may also be adapted to use outputs from the accelerometer to detect an impact against the person support apparatus, compare a magnitude of the detected impact with a threshold, and, if the threshold is exceeded, to issue a warning indicating potential damage to one or more of the plurality of force sensors.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.