System for electrically connecting a patient support apparatus to equipment

Abstract

A patient support system is provided. The patient support system includes a patient support apparatus and an equipment interface. The patient support apparatus includes a support structure having a patient support deck defining a patient support surface, a battery operably attached to the support structure, a power receiving device for performing power receiving functions of the patient support apparatus, a control system for operating the power receiving device with power from the battery, and an equipment connector. The equipment connector includes an equipment magnetic element and an equipment terminal in electrical communication with the control system. The equipment interface is configured to provide an external power source to charge the battery of the patient support apparatus. The equipment interface includes an interface connector with a shield, an interface magnetic element, and an interface terminal in electrical communication with the external power source.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This patent application claims priority to and the benefit of all of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 427,211, filed November 22, 2022, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 542,025, filed October 2, 2023, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventional patient support apparatuses typically have one or more components that require power. Such components include actuators, such as motors and pumps, sensors, user interfaces, and control circuits that monitor the operation of the one or more actuators. For example, modern hospital beds often include one or more user interfaces that allow caregivers to control the movement of various parts of the bed, set alerts, and monitor the status of the bed (such as whether the patient has exited the bed). Rechargeable batteries may be used to operate the powered devices of the patient support apparatus. In this regard, a charger may be provided with the patient support apparatus to facilitate charging the batteries via an electrical tether that plugs into an AC power outlet, and AC power may also be used to operate the powered devices. Additional tethers, cables, etc. may also be used to facilitate communication with various external systems, such as nurse call systems, communication interfaces, networks, etc.

[0003] Conventional tethers, cables, and the like generally rely on mechanical connections (e.g., frictional engagement of plugs and sockets) to resist separation. It is understood that users may sometimes forget that the tethers and cables are plugged in and attempt to move the patient support apparatus, which may result in damage to various components. Furthermore, depending on the particular configuration of the patient support apparatus and the cables and / or tethers, there may be a risk of unintentional electrical contact with the power terminals during the process of connecting or disconnecting the cables and / or tethers.

[0004] While patient support devices have generally performed well for their intended purposes, there remains a need in the art to overcome one or more of the above-referenced problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present disclosure provides a patient support system including a patient support apparatus and an equipment interface. The patient support apparatus includes a support structure having a patient support deck defining a patient support surface, a battery operably attached to the support structure, a power receiving device for performing power receiving functions of the patient support apparatus, a control system for operating the power receiving device with power from the battery, and an equipment interface. The equipment interface includes an equipment connector, an equipment magnetic element, and an equipment terminal in electrical communication with the control system. The equipment interface is configured to provide selective connection to an external power source for charging the battery of the patient support apparatus. The equipment interface includes an interface connector having a shield, an interface magnetic element, and an interface terminal in electrical communication with the external power source. The equipment interface is operable between a retracted mode in which the shield at least partially restricts contact between the interface terminal and an environmental object, and an extended mode in which the interface terminal is positioned relative to the shield to abut the equipment terminal. Furthermore, the interface connector changes operation from the retracted mode to the extended mode to releasably couple and connect the device interface and the equipment interface in response to a magnetic attraction generated between the device magnetic element and the interface magnetic element when the device terminal abuts the interface terminal, to facilitate charging of the battery by an external power source.

[0006] The present disclosure also provides a patient support system including an equipment interface, the equipment interface including an interface connector in electrical communication with an AC power source, the interface connector supporting an interface magnetic element and a plurality of interface power terminals; and an infrastructure controller in electrical communication with the plurality of interface power terminals and the AC power source, the infrastructure controller operable between an active mode in which the plurality of interface power terminals are electrically coupled to the AC power source and a disconnected mode in which the plurality of interface power terminals are electrically isolated from the AC power source. The patient support apparatus includes a support structure having a patient support deck, a battery operably attached to the support structure, a charger in electrical communication with the battery, a power receiving device for performing power receiving functions of the patient support apparatus, and an apparatus interface including an apparatus connector supporting an apparatus magnetic element and a carrier, wherein the carrier supports a plurality of apparatus power terminals in electrical communication with the charger, and the carrier is movable between a carrier extended position and a carrier retracted position, wherein contact between the plurality of interface power terminals and the plurality of apparatus power terminals urges the carrier away from the carrier extended position, and magnetic attraction generated between the apparatus magnetic element and the interface magnetic element urges the carrier to the carrier retracted position to releasably couple the equipment interface to the apparatus interface to a connected state, and an infrastructure controller changes operation from a shut-off mode to an active mode in response to determining an operation to electrically couple the AC power source and the charger in the connected state to facilitate charging the battery.

[0007] The present disclosure also provides a patient support system including a patient support apparatus having a support structure having a patient support deck, a battery operably attached to the support structure, a charger in electrical communication with the battery, a power receiving device for performing power receiving functions of the patient support apparatus, and an apparatus interface including an apparatus connector having an apparatus connector face, the apparatus connector supporting an apparatus magnetic element and an apparatus power terminal in electrical communication with the charger and extending from the apparatus connector face to an apparatus terminal end. an interface connector for supporting an interface magnetic element and an interface power terminal electrically coupled to the AC power source, the interface connector having an interface connector face, the interface connector including a blocking recess defined in the interface connector face, the blocking recess having: a central region arranged to receive the device power terminal along a terminal axis so as to releasably couple the device interface and the facility interface into a connected state in response to a magnetic attractive force generated between the device magnetic element and the interface magnetic element when the device power terminal abuts the interface power terminal to facilitate charging of a battery by the AC power source; at least one blocking element extending toward the central region and spaced from the terminal axis to at least partially limit contact between the interface power terminal and an environmental object; and at least one relief region defined adjacent to the at least one blocking element and disposed in communication with the central region to accommodate at least a portion of the device power terminal in response to an external force acting on the interface connector in a direction transverse to the terminal axis and overcoming the magnetic attractive force generated between the device magnetic element and the interface magnetic element to separate the interface connector from the device connector.

[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 conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a patient support apparatus having a base, a bed with a patient support deck, a lifting mechanism, side rails, and an equipment interface shown positioned adjacent to an equipment interface connected to the equipment via a tether. [Figure 2] 2 is an exemplary diagram of a control system of the patient support apparatus of FIG. 1. [Figure 3A] 2 is a schematic right side view of the patient support apparatus of FIG. 1, shown with each of the side rails positioned in a raised position. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is another schematic right side view of the patient support apparatus of FIG. 3A, with the first side rail shown in an intermediate position and the second side rail shown in a raised position. [Figure 3C] FIG. 3C is another schematic right side view of the patient support apparatus of FIGS. 3A-3B, with the first siderail shown in a lowered position. [Figure 4A] FIG. 3D is another schematic right side view of the patient support apparatus of FIGS. 3A-3C with two of the side rails omitted for illustrative purposes and with the lifting mechanism shown supporting the bed in a raised configuration. [Figure 4B] 4B is another schematic right side view of the patient support apparatus of FIG. 4A, with the lifting mechanism shown supporting the bed in a lowered configuration. [Figure 5] FIG. 4C is another schematic right side view of the patient support apparatus of FIG. 4B showing the patient support deck with the back section positioned in the Fowler position with the second side rail connected to the back section. [Figure 6] 6 is another schematic right side view of the patient support apparatus of FIG. 5, with the lifting mechanism shown supporting the bed in an inclined configuration. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the device interface and the facility interface of FIG. 1. [Figure 8]8 is another perspective view of the device interface and facility interface of FIG. 7, with the device connector shown axially spaced apart from the facility interface and in keyed alignment with the facility interface. [Figure 9] 9 is an exploded perspective view of the device interface and equipment interface of FIG. 8, in which the device interface is shown including a device connector with device terminals, and the equipment interface is shown including an interface connector with a shield and interface terminals supported by a carriage. [Figure 10] 10 is another exploded perspective view of the device interface and facility interface of FIG. 9. FIG. [Figure 11] 11 is an enlarged plan view of the equipment interface and facility interface of FIGS. 8-10, facing the back side of the equipment interface spaced apart from the facility interface and positioned in keyed alignment with the facility interface. FIG. [Figure 12A] 12 is a cross-sectional view of the facility interface and device interface taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 11 , with the facility interface spaced apart from the device interface and the interface connector positioned in a retracted mode in which the shield limits external contact with the interface terminals. [Figure 12B] 12B is another cross-sectional view of the equipment interface and device interface of FIG. 12A shown with the equipment interface moved into initial engagement with the device interface, but with the interface connector still positioned in the retracted mode. [Figure 12C] 12A-12B, showing the equipment interface further moved into engagement with the equipment interface and the interface connector beginning to move away from the retracted mode. [Figure 12D]12A-12C, showing the equipment interface releasably coupled to the device interface in a connected state and in an extended mode in which the interface connectors move over the shield and into abutment with the device terminals. [Figure 13A] 13 is a cross-sectional view of the equipment interface and device interface taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 11, with the equipment interface spaced apart from the device interface and the interface connector positioned in the retracted mode as shown in FIG. 12A. [Figure 13B] 13B is another cross-sectional view of the equipment interface and device interface of FIG. 13A, with the equipment interface moved into initial engagement with the device interface, but the interface connector still shown positioned in the retracted mode as shown in FIG. 12B. [Figure 13C] 12C is another cross-sectional view of the equipment interface and device interface of FIGS. 13A-13B, with the equipment interface shown further moved into engagement with the device interface and the interface connector beginning to move away from the retracted mode as shown in FIG. 12C. [Figure 13D] 13A-13C, showing another cross-sectional view of the equipment interface and device interface of FIGS. 13A-13C, with the equipment interface shown in a connected state releasably connected to the device interface and the interface connector moved into the extended mode as shown in FIG. 12D. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another configuration of a device interface and an equipment interface, where the device interface is shown having a device connector with a plurality of device data terminals spaced apart from a carrier supporting a plurality of device power terminals, and the equipment interface is shown having an interface connector with a plurality of interface data terminals spaced apart from a plurality of interface power terminals. [Figure 15]It is an exploded perspective view of the device interface and the equipment interface of FIG. 14. [Figure 16] It is another exploded perspective view of the device interface and the equipment interface of FIG. 15. [Figure 17] It is an enlarged plan view of the device interface and the equipment interface of FIGS. 14 to 16, facing the back side of the device interface that is spaced apart from the equipment interface and arranged in key alignment with the equipment interface. [Figure 18A] It is a cross-sectional view of the equipment interface and the device interface along line 18-18 of FIG. 17, shown in a state where the equipment connector is separated from the device connector and the carrier is arranged at the carrier extended position. [Figure 18B] It is another cross-sectional view of the equipment interface and the device interface of FIG. 18A, shown in a state where the equipment connector has moved into an initial engagement with the device connector, the device power terminal is in contact with the interface power terminal, the carrier is still arranged at the carrier extended position, and the device data terminal is separated from the interface data terminal. [Figure 18C] It is another cross-sectional view of the equipment interface and the device interface of FIGS. 18A to 18B, shown in a state where the equipment connector has further moved into engagement with the device connector, the device power terminal is maintained in contact with the interface power terminal, the carrier has moved away from the carrier extended position, and the device data terminal is still separated from the interface data terminal. [Figure 18D] It is another cross-sectional view of the equipment interface and the device interface of FIGS. 18A to 18C, shown in a state where the equipment interface is releasably connected to the device interface and is in a connected state, the device power terminal is maintained in contact with the interface power terminal, the carrier has moved to the carrier retracted position, and the device data terminal is placed in a contact state with the interface data terminal. [Figure 19A]FIG. 18C is an enlarged plan view of the front side of the device connector of FIGS. 14-18D, showing the carrier with carrier guides disposed about the carrier axis and supporting a plurality of device power terminals, the carrier guides disposed within respective guide holes formed in the device connector face of the device connector. [Figure 19B] Another enlarged front plan view of the device connector of Figure 19A, showing the carrier rotating about the carrier axis to show the carrier guides engaging with the guide holes in response to the uneven application of force acting on multiple device power terminals. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another configuration of a device interface and an equipment interface, where the device interface is shown having a device connector with a plurality of device power terminals and the equipment interface is shown having an interface connector with a plurality of interface power terminals disposed in respective blocking recesses. [Figure 21] 21 is an enlarged plan view of the equipment interface and facility interface of FIG. 20 facing the back side of the equipment interface, with the equipment interface releasably coupled to the equipment interface in a connected state. [Figure 22] 22 is a cross-sectional view of the equipment interface and the device interface taken along line 22-22 of FIG. 21. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is an enlarged partial plan view of the front side of the equipment interface of FIGS. 20 to 22. [Figure 24] 23 is a partial, enlarged perspective view of the equipment interface and device interface of FIGS. 20-22 shown arranged in a connected state. FIG. [Figure 25A] 25 is another partial enlarged perspective view of the facility interface and device interface arranged as shown in FIG. 24, with some portions of the device interface shown in phantom outline for illustrative purposes. [Figure 25B]25B is another partial enlarged perspective view of the equipment interface and device interface of FIG. 25A with portions of the device interface shown in phantom outline for illustrative purposes and with the equipment interface shown moving in response to a transversely applied force to represent movement of the device power terminal into a blocking recess in the interface connector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Referring to the drawings, wherein like numbers refer to like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, a patient support system 98 is shown in FIG. 1 including a patient support apparatus 100 and several portions of a facility F. The patient support apparatus 100 supports a patient in a healthcare environment, such as in a hospital or facility F embodied as another environment for caring for a patient. The patient support apparatus 100 shown throughout the figures is embodied as a hospital bed. However, in other forms, the patient support apparatus 100 may be a stretcher, cot, table, wheelchair, chair, or similar device utilized in patient care.

[0011] The patient support apparatus 100 includes a support structure 102 that provides support to a patient. In the exemplary form shown herein, the support structure 102 generally includes 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 described in more detail below, an elevation mechanism 112 is interposed between the base 104 and the intermediate frame 108 to facilitate movement of the litter 106 relative to the base 104 between a plurality of vertical configurations / positions, including, but not limited to, one or more raised configurations, lowered configurations, and / or inclined configurations such as a Trendelenburg configuration.

[0012] 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 116 on which a patient is supported. More specifically, in the exemplary configuration of the patient support apparatus 100 shown herein, the patient support deck 110 has four deck sections 114 that cooperate to define the patient support surface 116: a back section 118, a hip section 120, a leg section 122, and a foot section 124 (see FIGS. 3A-6 ). In the exemplary configuration shown herein, the hip section 120 is fixed to the intermediate frame 108 and is not arranged for movement relative to the intermediate frame 108. However, it will be understood that the hip section 120 may be movable relative to the other deck sections 114 in some configurations. Conversely, the back section 118 and leg section 122 are arranged to move independently relative to each other and relative to the intermediate frame 108, as described in more detail below, and the foot section 124 is arranged to move partially simultaneously with the leg section 122.

[0013] Other configurations are contemplated, and it is understood that various arrangements of the deck sections 114 are contemplated by this disclosure. As a non-limiting example, the patient support deck 110 may be configured without a separate hip section 120 in some configurations. Additionally, while the exemplary configuration of the bed 106 shown herein utilizes an intermediate frame 108 to support the deck sections 114 of the patient support deck 110 for movement relative to the base 104 via the lifting mechanism 112, it is understood that various types of beds 106 with or without a separate intermediate frame 108 and / or with differently configured lifting mechanisms 112 are contemplated by this disclosure. In some configurations, the patient support deck 110 and its associated deck sections 114 may be similar to that described in U.S. Patient Support Apparatus for Controlling Patient Ingress and Egress, U.S. Patient Support Apparatus for Controlling Patient Ingress and Egress, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0014] In use, a mattress 126 may be placed on the patient support deck 110. The mattress 126 has or defines a patient support surface 116 on which a patient is supported, with the understanding that the shape of the mattress 126 is defined based on the configuration of the patient support deck 110. It is also understood that during operation of some configurations of the patient support apparatus 100 without the mattress 126, the patient support deck 110 itself defines the patient support surface 116. In other words, the mattress 126 may be omitted in certain configurations so that the patient can be supported directly on the patient support surface 116 defined by the deck sections 114 of the patient support deck 110. The base 104, the bed 106, the intermediate frame 108, and the patient support deck 110 each have head and foot ends that correspond to the designated placement of the patient's head and feet on the patient support apparatus 100. It is understood that the specific configuration of the support structure 102 may assume any known or conventional design and is not limited to the design specifically shown and described herein. Other configurations are contemplated.

[0015] 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 therefore relative to the base 104). The first side rail 128 is positioned at the right head end of the bed 106. The second side rail 130 is positioned at the left head end of the bed 106. The third side rail 132 is positioned at the right foot end of the bed 106. The fourth side rail 134 is positioned at the left foot end of the bed 106. One or more of the side rails may be coupled to one or more of the mounts by a linkage mechanism and may be movable between multiple side rail positions, including a raised position that blocks access to the patient support apparatus 100, one or more intermediate positions, and a lowered position that does not impede access to the patient support surface 116 around the perimeter. It is understood that for certain configurations, such as when the patient support apparatus 100 is implemented as a stretcher or cot, there may be fewer side rails. Likewise, it is understood that the side rails may be attached to any suitable component or structure of the patient support apparatus 100, and that the side rails' respective mounts and / or linkages may be configured in various ways. In some configurations, the side rails 128, 130, 132, 134 or other portions of the patient support apparatus 100 may be similar to those described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2021 / 0338504(A1), entitled "Side Rail Assembly For A Patient Support Apparatus," the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Other configurations are also contemplated. In the exemplary configuration shown herein, the first side rail 128 and the second side rail 130 are coupled to the back section 118 of the patient support deck 110 and move simultaneously with the back section 118.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1 , a headboard 136 and a footboard 138 are coupled to respective mounts on the intermediate frame 108 of the bed 106. However, it is understood that the headboard 136 and / or footboard 138 may be coupled elsewhere on the patient support apparatus 100, such as to the base 104, or may be omitted in certain configurations. One or more caregiver interfaces 140, such as handles, are shown in FIG. 1 as being integrated into the first and second siderails 128, 130 to facilitate movement of the patient support apparatus 100 across a floor surface. 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 siderails 132, 134, the intermediate frame 108, etc. The caregiver interfaces 140 are shaped to be grasped by a caregiver as a means of positioning the patient support apparatus 100 or as a means of manipulating it for movement. It will be understood that the caregiver interface 140 may be integrated with or operably attached to any suitable portion of the patient support apparatus 100, or may be omitted in certain configurations.

[0017] Wheels 142 are coupled to the base 104 to facilitate transportation across a floor surface. The wheels 142 are located adjacent the corners of the base 104 in each of the four quadrants of the base 104. In the configuration shown in FIG. 1 , the wheels 142 are caster wheels that can rotate and swivel relative to the support structure 102 during transportation. Here, each of the wheels 142 forms part of a caster assembly 144 mounted to the base 104. In the configuration shown, the patient support apparatus 100 includes a brake assembly 153 operably attached to one or more of the wheels 142. The brake assembly 153 is operable between a braked state that prevents movement of the base 104 around the floor surface and an unbraked state that allows movement of the base 104 around the floor surface. In some forms, the wheels 142 and brake assemblies 153 can be similar to those 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. 2021 / 138176A1, entitled "Patient Transport Apparatus With Electro-Mechanical Braking System," the disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Other configurations are also contemplated.

[0018] It should be understood that various configurations of the caster assemblies 144 are contemplated. Additionally, in some configurations, the wheels 142 are not caster wheels. Furthermore, it is understood that the wheels 142 may be non-steerable, steerable, non-powered, powered, or a combination thereof. While the exemplary configuration of the patient support apparatus 100 shown herein utilizes four wheels 142, additional wheels are contemplated. For example, the patient support apparatus 100 may include four non-powered, non-steerable wheels along with one or more additional powered wheels. In some cases, the patient support apparatus may not include any wheels at all. In other configurations, one or more auxiliary wheels (powered or non-powered) movable between a stowed position and a deployed position may be coupled to the support structure 102. In some cases, the auxiliary wheels are positioned between the caster assemblies 144 and, when in contact with the floor surface in the deployed position, elevate two of the caster assemblies 144 from the floor surface, thereby shortening the wheelbase of the patient support apparatus 100. A fifth wheel may be located substantially in the center of the base 104 .

[0019] As described above, the patient support apparatus 100 uses a lift mechanism 112 to raise and lower the bed 106 relative to the base 104, and the bed 106 moves the intermediate frame 108 together with the patient support deck 110 between various vertical configurations, such as the vertically raised configuration 106A shown in FIGS. 3A-4A , the vertically lowered configuration 106B shown in FIGS. 4B-5 , or any desired vertical configuration therebetween, including various inclined configurations 106A as shown in FIG. 6 . To this end, the lift mechanism 112 may include a head-end lift member 146 and a foot-end lift member 148, each positioned to facilitate movement of the bed 106 relative to the base 104 using one or more lift actuators 150. The lift actuators 150 may be implemented as linear actuators, rotary actuators, or other types of actuators, and may be electrically powered and / or hydraulic. It is contemplated that in some configurations, for example, only one lift member and associated lift actuator may be used to raise only one end of the bed 106 (see FIG. 6 ), or one central lift actuator may be used to raise and lower the bed 106. The configuration of the lift mechanism 112, head-end lift member 146, and / or foot-end lift member 148 may assume any known or conventional design and is not limited to the design specifically shown. As a non-limiting example, the lift mechanism 112 may include a “scissor” linkage disposed between the base 104 and the bed 106 with one or more actuators configured to facilitate vertical movement of the patient-support deck 110. In some forms, the lift mechanism 112 may be similar to that described in U.S. Patient Support Lift Assembly, U.S. Patient Support Lift Assembly, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Other configurations are also contemplated.

[0020] As described above, the patient support deck 110 is operably mounted to the intermediate frame 108 (e.g., shown in FIGS. 1 and 3A-6 ), with one or more of the deck sections 114 arranged to move between a first section position 114A (see FIGS. 3A-4B ) and a second section position 114B (see FIGS. 5-6 ). To this end, one or more deck actuators 152 are interposed between the deck sections 114 and the intermediate frame 108 for moving the deck sections 114. In the exemplary form shown herein, the deck actuators 152 are embodied as linear actuators in force-transmitting relationship between the deck sections 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, each of the deck actuators 152 arranged to move independently to position the respective deck section 114 to adjust the shape of the patient support surface 116 among a plurality of patient support configurations (e.g., a flat configuration, a Fowler's elevated 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 a first section position 114A (see FIGS. 3A-4B), a second section position 114B (see FIGS. 5-6), and further section positions between the first section position 114A and the second section position 114B and / or section positions beyond the second section position 114B.

[0021] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the patient support apparatus 100 may 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 bed 106 or other components of the support structure 102. By way of non-limiting example, the deck actuators 152 may be linear actuators or one or more rotary actuators that are electrically and / or hydraulically driven and / or controlled or driven in any suitable manner. Furthermore, the deck actuators 152 may be mounted, fixed, coupled, or operably attached, directly or indirectly, to the intermediate frame 108 and the deck sections 114 in any suitable manner. Additionally, one or more of the deck actuators 152 may be omitted for particular applications.

[0022] 2, the patient support apparatus 100 employs a control system, generally indicated at 154, to power, drive, communicate with, or control various types of power receiving devices PD, as will be described in more detail below, to effect operation of various functions of the patient support apparatus 100. To this end, as shown schematically in FIG. 2, the control system 154 generally includes a device controller 156 in communication with one or more user interfaces 158 adapted for use by a patient and / or caregiver to facilitate operation of one or more functions of the patient support apparatus 100. The equipment controller 156 may also be in direct or indirect communication with power receiving devices PD, including, but not limited to, the lift actuator 150, the deck actuator 152, one or more sensors S of the sensor system 160, a communication interface 162 for communicating with various remote devices (e.g., smartphones, external systems, etc.), one or more power converters 164 (also referred to as chargers 164), a drive system 178, and / or one or more additional power receiving devices 166, such as, but not limited to, devices for adjusting the length and / or width of the bed 106, devices for turning the patient, devices for facilitating entry and / or exit, devices for facilitating electric brake actuation, devices for monitoring patient movement and / or egress, etc. Other configurations are contemplated.

[0023] 1 and 2, the patient support apparatus 100 includes multiple user interfaces 158 that may be accessible by the patient, the caregiver, or both the caregiver and the patient. Each user interface 158 of the patient support apparatus 100 generally includes an input device 170 configured to generate an input signal in response to activation by a user, the input device 170 being in communication with the apparatus controller 156. The apparatus controller 156 is responsive to the input signal and can control or perform one or more functions of the patient support apparatus 100 in response to receiving the input signal. In other words, the apparatus controller 156 is configured to perform functions of the patient support apparatus 100 in response to receiving input from the input device 170. As a non-limiting example, the input device 170 may be embodied as a "lift bed" button, the activation of which causes the apparatus controller 156 to drive the lift actuator 150 to move the intermediate frame 108 of the bed 106 from a fully lowered configuration vertically away from the base 104 to a raised configuration.

[0024] In some forms, one or more of the user interfaces 158 may also communicate information to a user (e.g., a caregiver) using output devices 172, such as a screen, one or more audible and / or visual indicators (e.g., speakers, beepers, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), etc.). In some forms, the user interfaces 158 may be implemented as a touchscreen interface that serves as both the input device 170 and the output device 172. In some forms, the device controller 156 may be configured to facilitate navigation of the visual content of the user interfaces 158 (e.g., implemented as a graphical user interface (GUI)) in response to receiving input signals from the input device 170. Thus, it is understood that the user interfaces 158 may be configured in many different ways sufficient to generate input signals. Furthermore, it is understood that the user interfaces 158 may have many different styles, shapes, configurations, etc. As non-limiting examples, one or more of the user interfaces 158 may include buttons, indicators, screens, graphical user interfaces, etc. Other configurations are also contemplated.

[0025] In some forms, one or more portions of the sensor system 160 may be coupled to the support structure 102 to generate data representative of loads acting on the support structure 102. To this end, as shown schematically in FIG. 2 , the sensor system 160 may include a plurality of load cells 174 (not shown in detail) interposed in a force-transmitting relationship between the intermediate frame 108 and the base 104 to measure loads acting on the support structure 102, where each load cell 174 generates a respective output signal representative of the weight sensed by each load cell 174. In some forms, a total of four load cells 174 are interposed between the intermediate frame 108 and the lifting members 146, 148 of the lifting mechanism 112 to measure loads (e.g., the patient's weight) acting on the patient support surface 116 and on other portions of the intermediate frame 108 or components coupled to the intermediate frame 108. Other arrangements of the load cells 174 are contemplated by the present disclosure, and it is understood that various quantities of load cells 174 arranged in various manners may be used by the sensor system 160. As a non-limiting example, the load cells may be interposed between the base 104 and the lifting mechanism 112 (not shown). In some forms, aspects of the patient support apparatus 100, including the arrangement of the load cells 174 about the support structure 102, may be similar to those described in International Patent Application Publication No. 2021 / 242946(A1), entitled "Lift Systems And Load Cells For Patient Support Apparatus," International Patent Application Publication No. 2021 / 108377, entitled "Patient Support Apparatus With Load Cell Assemblies," and / or U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2021 / 0030611(A1), entitled "Patient Support Apparatus With Load Cell Assemblies," the disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Other configurations are also contemplated.

[0026] In some forms, the sensor system 160 may include one or more different types of sensors S for determining changes in the position, condition, or operation of various portions of the patient support apparatus 100 and / or changes in the patient's position, condition, physical condition, etc. In some forms, the patient support apparatus 100 may include one or more sensors S in communication with the apparatus controller 156 to determine movement of the patient support apparatus 100, to determine operation of the brake assembly 153 (e.g., between a braked and an unbraked state), to determine the position 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 siderails 128, 130, 132, 134 and / or the headboard 136 or footboard 138, to determine movement of the mattress 126, and / or to determine changes in the patient's position or condition. It will be appreciated that a variety of sensors S of many different types, styles, and / or configurations may be used, including, but not limited to, limit switches, touch sensors, potentiometers, encoders, pressure sensors, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, optical sensors (e.g., cameras), or other types of sensors that respond to changes in position, contact, orientation, state, etc. In some forms, the functionality provided by the sensors S may be implemented as code that is processed by the device controller 156 or other portion of the patient support system 98. Other configurations are contemplated.

[0027] 3A-6 , in some embodiments, 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 affect movement of the patient support apparatus 100 during transport over a floor surface. To this end, the drive system 178 generally includes a drive member 180 and a motor 182 coupled to the drive member 180 for operating the drive member 180 at various speeds. In the illustrated embodiment, the drive member 180 is embodied as an auxiliary wheel 142A. However, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the drive system 178 may be configured in other ways, with various types of drive members 180 other than the drive member 180 configured as the auxiliary wheel 142A of the auxiliary wheel assembly 176. By way of non-limiting example, drive member 180 may be embodied by various types and / or arrangements of one or more belts, treads, wheels, tires, etc., may be arranged in various manners about patient support apparatus 100, and may be deployable, retractable, or similarly movable, or may generally engage the floor surface (e.g., embodied as powered wheels at one or more corners of base 104). Other configurations are contemplated. Thus, it is understood that auxiliary wheel drive system 178 described and illustrated herein represents one type of drive system 178 contemplated by the present disclosure, and auxiliary wheel 142A described and illustrated herein represents one type of drive member 180 contemplated by the present disclosure.

[0028] The auxiliary wheel assembly 176 employs an auxiliary wheel actuator 184 operably coupled to the auxiliary wheels 142A. The auxiliary wheel actuator 184 is operable to move the auxiliary wheels 142A between one or more extended positions in which they engage the floor surface and one or more retracted positions in which they are spaced apart and out of contact with the floor surface. The auxiliary wheels 142A affect the movement of the patient support apparatus 100 during transport over the floor surface when the auxiliary wheels 142A are in the extended position. In some forms, the auxiliary wheel assembly 176 includes an additional auxiliary wheel movable together with the auxiliary wheels by the auxiliary wheel actuator 184. It will be appreciated that operation of the drive system 178 can be effected in a variety of manners, including based on signals from the sensor system 160, one or more sensors S, and / or one or more user interfaces 158. In some forms, aspects of drive system 178 can be similar to those disclosed in one or more of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16 / 690,217, filed Nov. 21, 2019, entitled "Patient Transport Apparatus With Controlled Auxiliary Wheel Deployment," U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 131,947, filed Dec. 23, 2020, entitled "Patient Transport Apparatus With Controlled Auxiliary Wheel Speed," and / or U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 132,009, filed Dec. 23, 2020, entitled "Patient Transport Apparatus With Auxiliary Wheel Control Systems," the disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Other configurations are also contemplated.

[0029] As mentioned above, the device controller 156 is shown schematically in FIG. 2 and has been omitted from certain drawings for clarity and consistency. It will be understood that the device controller 156 and / or control system 154 may be configured or arranged in many different ways to facilitate operation of the patient support apparatus 100. The device controller 156 may have one or more microprocessors for processing instructions or algorithms stored in memory to control operation of the powered device PD, generation or interpretation of signals and / or data (e.g., data from the sensors S, the sensor system 160, etc.), communication with the user interface 158 and / or remote devices (e.g., portable electronic devices), performance of one or more functions of the powered device PD, etc. Additionally or alternatively, the device controller 156 may include one or more microcontrollers, field programmable gate arrays, systems-on-chips, discrete circuits, and / or other suitable hardware, software, or firmware capable of performing the various functions and operations described herein. The device controller 156 may be on-board the patient support apparatus 100, such as on the base 104 or bed 106, or may be located remotely. The device controller 156 may include one or more sub-controllers configured to control the powered devices PDs, or one or more sub-controllers for each powered device PD. The device controller 156 and / or other components of the control system 154 may communicate with the powered devices PDs (e.g., actuators 150, 152, user interface 158, etc.) via wired and / or wireless communication.

[0030] As will be appreciated from the following description, the power used to operate the power receiving device PD and the device controller 156 itself may be supplied by an external power source 157 and / or a battery 159 operably coupled to the support structure 102. To this end, the patient support system 98 employs a connection system 198 defined by a device interface 200 and an equipment interface 300. The device interface 200 is coupled to the patient support apparatus 100, and the equipment interface 300 is coupled to or forms part of the equipment F. As will be explained in more detail below, the device interface 200 and the equipment interface 300 are configured to releasably engage together into a connected state SC to facilitate wired electrical communication of power P and / or data D between the patient support apparatus 100 and the equipment F. Here, the device interface 200 is in electrical communication with various components of the control system 154, including, for example, the device controller 156 (and / or various powered devices PD or other components in communication with the device controller 156), the battery 159, and / or the power converter 164, and the facility interface 300 is in electrical communication with various components of the facility F, including, for example, the external power source 157, the infrastructure controller 186, and / or other types of external systems 188 (e.g., nurse call systems, servers, networks, communication systems, etc.). Each of the above-listed components of the connection system 198 is described in more detail below.

[0031] 2 , as described above, facility F may be a hospital or another location for facilitating patient care. Facility F provides or defines an external power source 157, which may be realized by an AC voltage source (e.g., 110-220 VAC at 50-60 Hz) supplied to facility F by a utility company. However, it is understood that other configurations are contemplated, and external power source 157 may be configured or defined as a power source supplied from any suitable source (e.g., by a utility company, generator, etc.) in the form of AC or DC power at any suitable voltage, frequency, and / or current for charging batteries 159 of patient support apparatus 100.

[0032] In the illustrated embodiment, a power converter 164 is coupled to the support structure 102 of the patient support apparatus 100 and is used, among other things, to facilitate charging the battery 159 with power from an external power source 157. Thus, in some embodiments, the external power source 157 can provide AC power (e.g., 110-220 VAC at 50-60 Hz) as an input to the power converter 164, which can also output DC power (e.g., 12-60 VDC) used to charge the battery 159 (the terms power converter 164 may be referred to interchangeably as “charger 164”). In some embodiments, the power converter 164 can also be used to generate or output power at a voltage, current, and / or frequency that can be used to operate the powered device PD when the device interface 200 and facility interface 300 are engaged and in the connected state SC. In other words, power for the power receiving device PD may be drawn from the battery 159 and / or the power converter 164 in some forms, e.g., to charge the battery 159 while simultaneously facilitating operation of the power receiving device PD without depleting the charge from the battery 159 when operating in the connected state SC. In some forms, the power converter 164 may also be configured to provide AC power to an on-board auxiliary outlet 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 part of the patient support apparatus 100 in the illustrated form, it will be understood that the power converter 164 may be implemented as part of the equipment F in some forms, e.g., to provide DC 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 as part of the patient support apparatus 100 and / or the equipment F. Other configurations are contemplated.

[0033] As described above, the connection system 198 may be used to facilitate the transfer of both power P and data D between the facility F and the patient support apparatus 100. It is understood 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, etc. The 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, etc. Other configurations are also contemplated. In some forms, the data D may be exchanged between the equipment controller 156 and the infrastructure controller 186 to facilitate operation of the power converter 164, as described in more detail below. In some forms, the data D may be exchanged between the equipment controller 156 and the infrastructure controller 186 to facilitate communication with the patient via video, audio, etc. In some forms, 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, etc.). Other configurations are also contemplated.

[0034] 1 , the equipment interface 300 is coupled to a tether T, which is also connected to the equipment F (e.g., wired to an external power source 157), to facilitate wired electrical communication between the patient support apparatus 100 and the equipment F. This configuration allows a caregiver or another user to move the equipment interface 300 relative to the patient support apparatus 100 to engage the equipment interface 300 with the equipment interface 200 in the Connected State SC, and to disengage the equipment interface 300 from the Connected State SC, as described in more detail below. In the illustrated configuration, the equipment interface 200 is shown as operably attached to the intermediate frame 108 of the bed 106 adjacent the head end. However, it will be understood that the equipment interface 200 may be operably attached to or integrally formed with any suitable portion of the patient support apparatus 100. It is further contemplated that multiple device interfaces 200 may be used, such as to allow connection to one device interface 200 located at the head end and / or a different device interface 200 (not shown) located at the foot end. Other configurations are also contemplated. It is understood that tether T may have any suitable length sufficient to facilitate releasably engaging connection system 198 into connected state SC, or may be omitted in some forms.

[0035] Although tether T is shown coupled to equipment interface 300 in the illustrated configuration to facilitate positioning relative to equipment interface 200, this arrangement may be different in other configurations, such as when the tether is coupled to equipment interface 200 and to another portion (not shown) of patient support apparatus 100. In some configurations, multiple tethers T may be used, for example, one tether T coupled to equipment interface 300 and another piece of equipment F, and another tether T coupled to equipment interface 200 and another portion (not shown) of patient support apparatus 100. Other configurations are also contemplated.

[0036] As will be described in more detail below, connection system 198 provides significant advantages to caregivers by enabling power P and / or data D to be reliably and quickly exchanged between equipment F and patient support apparatus 100 based, among other things, on the manner in which device interface 200 and equipment interface 300 engage together into connected state SC and can quickly disengage from connected state SC in a “breakaway” manner in response to external contact or applied force. It will be appreciated that the breakaway of connection system 198 shown in FIG. 1 results in tether T and equipment interface 300 separating from device interface 200, thereby allowing patient support apparatus 100 to be separated from tether T and interface connector 302. Other configurations are also contemplated herein, including, but not limited to, the configuration shown schematically in FIG. 2. The configuration shown in FIG. 2 shows alternative device interfaces 200′ and alternative equipment interfaces 300′ to represent multiple breakaways (e.g., one at each end of tether T) and / or to represent a breakaway at equipment F rather than a breakaway at patient support apparatus 100.

[0037] 7-13D , as described above, the device interface 200 and the equipment interface 300 are configured to releasably engage together into a connected state SC to facilitate wired electrical communication of power P and / or data D between the patient support apparatus 100 and the equipment F. The device interface 200 generally includes a device connector 202, a device magnetic element 204, and device terminals 206. The device connector 202 is operably attached to the support structure 102 of the patient support apparatus 100 and supports the device magnetic element 204 and the device terminals 206, as described in more detail below. The device terminals 206 are placed in electrical communication with the control system 154 of the patient support apparatus 100, such as by physical or electrical connection with the device controller 156, the battery 159, and / or the power converter 164. The equipment interface 300 is configured to provide selective connection with an external power source 157 for charging the battery 159 of the patient support apparatus 100 and generally includes an interface connector 302, an interface magnetic element 304, interface terminals 306 that are placed in electrical communication with the external power source 157, and a shield 308. The equipment interface 300 is operable between a retracted mode MR (see FIGS. 7, 12A, and 13A) and an extended mode ME (see FIGS. 12D and 13D). In the retracted mode MR, the shield 308 at least partially limits contact of the interface terminals 306 with environmental objects, such as, for example, parts of a caregiver or another person's body, parts of the patient support apparatus 100, other nearby medical devices or equipment, etc. In the extended mode ME, the interface terminals 306 are positioned relative to the shield 308 so as to abut the equipment terminals 206 (see FIG. 12D). The interface connector 302 changes operation from the retracted mode MR to the extended mode ME in response to magnetic attraction between the device magnetic element 204 and the interface magnetic element 304 such that the device terminals 206 abut the interface terminals 306, thereby releasably coupling the device interface 200 and the facility interface 300 into a connected state SC to facilitate charging the battery 159 with power P from the external power source 157.In some forms, the equipment interface 300 changes operation from the extended mode ME to the retracted mode MR in response to movement of the interface.

[0038] Each of the above listed components is described in more detail below.

[0039] 9-10 illustrate various components of device interface 200 and facility interface 300. Device interface 200 is shown having a device housing 208, a device circuit board 210 supporting a plurality of device terminals 206, and a plurality of auxiliary device magnetic elements 212. 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 above-listed components of device interface 200 and facility interface 300 is described in more detail below.

[0040] The device housing 208 supports the device terminals 206. More specifically, in the illustrated configuration, the device housing 208 defines a device pocket 214 in which a device board mount 216 is placed. The device board mount 216 is shaped and arranged to support (e.g., by one or more fasteners (not shown)) a device circuit board 210, which in turn supports a plurality of device terminals 206 relative to the device housing 208. In the illustrated configuration, the device circuit board 210 supports a plurality of device power terminals 206P for transmitting power P and a plurality of device data terminals 206D for transmitting data D. In the illustrated configuration, three device power terminals 206P and three interface power terminals 306P (see FIG. 7 ) are provided to facilitate transferring power P in the connected state SC, for example, for transferring AC power P over three wires (e.g., a neutral wire, a hot wire, and a ground wire, or other wires (not shown)). However, it is understood that in some embodiments a different quantity (e.g., more than or less than three) of device power terminals 206P and / or interface power terminals 306P may be utilized. In the illustrated embodiment, four device data terminals 206D and four interface data terminals 306D (see FIG. 7 ) are provided to facilitate transferring data D in connection state SC, for example, for transferring data D over four lines (e.g., power, ground, transmit, receive, or other lines (not shown)). Again, it is understood that in some embodiments a different quantity (e.g., more than or less than four) of device data terminals 206D and / or interface data terminals 306D may be utilized.

[0041] In the illustrated form, the device terminals 206 are coupled to the device circuit board 210, such as by soldering. The device terminals 206 each define a respective contact pad 218 that is shaped and positioned to abut a corresponding connector surface 324 of the interface terminal 306 in the connected state SC (see FIG. 7 ). In some forms, one or more of the device terminals 206 and / or interface terminals 306 may be embodied as “pogo pins” or may facilitate at least partial resilient deflection or movement to help ensure contact upon abutment in the connected state SC (see FIGS. 12D and 13D , where the abutment is shown in exaggerated detail for illustrative purposes). However, it will be understood that other configurations are contemplated, and that the device terminals 206 and / or interface terminals 306 may be of other types, styles, and / or arrangements sufficient to transmit power P and / or data D in the connected state SC.

[0042] As best shown in FIG. 9 , in the illustrated configuration, the device housing 208 of the device connector 202 defines a device connector face 220 and a plurality of connector face holes 222 formed in the device connector face 220. Here, the plurality of device terminals 206 are supported in the connector face holes 222 by being positioned such that their respective contact pads 218 are substantially flush with the device connector face 220. It will be appreciated that this configuration substantially enhances cleanability and discourages the accumulation of contaminants along the device connector face 220, which would otherwise accumulate along the device connector face 220. Also here, in this configuration, the device housing 208 defines a flange 224 and a plug 226 extending from the flange 224. The plug 226 is generally smooth and integrates with the device connector face 220 with a keyed contour KA (see FIG. 7 ) that helps facilitate cleanability. This allows the device connector face 220 and / or the plug 226 to be easily wiped clean if exposed to contaminants. The flange 224 of the device housing 208 defines a flange mount 228 to facilitate attachment to the support structure 102, such as by fasteners (not shown). However, as noted above, one or more portions of the device connector 202 may, in some forms, be integrally formed with other components of the patient support apparatus 100, such as where the plug 226 may be formed as part of a barrier such as the headboard 136. Other configurations are also contemplated.

[0043] In the illustrated configuration, the device housing 208 supports one or more device magnetic elements 204 and one or more auxiliary device magnetic elements 212. To this end, as best shown in FIG. 10 , the device housing 208 defines a plurality of device magnet mounts 230 disposed in the device pockets 214 and shaped to receive one of the device magnetic elements 204 or one of the auxiliary device magnetic elements 212. In the illustrated configuration, two device magnetic elements 204 and two interface magnetic elements 304 are provided to facilitate changing operation of the equipment interface 300 from the retracted mode ME to the extended mode ME, as described above and in more detail below. Here, the device magnetic elements 204 and the interface magnetic elements 304 are configured and arranged relative to one another to facilitate changing operation to the extended mode ME based on magnetic attraction, such as by orienting the device magnetic elements 204 and the interface magnetic elements 304 with opposite magnetic poles facing each other in the connected state SC, in a configuration in which the device magnetic elements 204 and the interface magnetic elements 304 are each embodied as magnets. In some configurations, the device magnetic element 204 may be a magnet, and the interface magnetic element 304 may be fabricated from a magnetically attractable material (e.g., steel). Other configurations are contemplated. While the exemplary configurations shown throughout the figures employ two device magnetic elements 204 and two interface magnetic elements 304 to facilitate a change of operation to the extended mode ME based on magnetic attraction, it is understood that other quantities (e.g., more than two or less than two) of magnetic elements may be employed by the device interface 200 and / or facility interface 300, and that the magnetic elements may be of various types, styles, configurations, and may be positioned in various orientations and / or arrangements.

[0044] In some forms, magnetic attraction between the device magnetic element 204 and the interface magnetic element 304 maintains the interface connector 302 in the extended mode ME while simultaneously holding the connection system 198 in the connected state CS. In other words, the device interface 200 and the facility interface 300 may be configured with one or more device magnetic elements 204 and one or more interface magnetic elements 304 that are sized or configured to maintain abutment between the device terminals 206 and the interface terminals 306 in the absence of external forces acting on the interface connector 302 and / or between the interface connector 302 and the device connector 202. In some forms, magnetic attraction between one or more auxiliary device magnetic elements 212 and one or more auxiliary interface magnetic elements 320 may at least partially hold the connection system 198 in the connected state CS. For example, in the form shown, three auxiliary device magnetic elements 212 and three auxiliary interface magnetic elements 320 are used to further facilitate holding the connection system 198 in the connected state CS. It is understood that various quantities (e.g., more than three or less than three) of auxiliary device magnetic elements 212 and / or auxiliary interface magnetic elements 320 may be used to hold connection system 198 in connected state SC. It is also understood that auxiliary device magnetic elements 212 and / or auxiliary interface magnetic elements 320 may be used to increase the amount of external force required to move connection system 198 from connected state SC to disconnected state SD in response to an external force applied in a particular direction, and / or to increase resistance to movement from connected state SC. For example, a particular amount of external force applied along axis A may resist disconnection, while that same amount of external force applied transverse to axis A may encourage disconnection. It is understood that other configurations are possible, and that auxiliary device magnetic elements 212 and auxiliary interface magnetic elements 320 may be omitted in some configurations.

[0045] Continuing with reference to FIGS. 9-10 , in the illustrated configuration, the equipment interface 300 employs an 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 positioned. 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 the plurality of interface terminals 306 relative to the interface housing 310. The interface housing 310 of the interface connector 302, in the illustrated configuration, defines a shield 308 having a shield connector face 330 that is positioned to abut the device connector face 220 in the connected state SC (see FIG. 12D ). The shield 308 of the interface housing 310 also defines a plurality of shield apertures 332 for each of the plurality of interface terminals 306 in the illustrated configuration. More specifically, in the illustrated configuration, 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. As will be understood from the subsequent description of the carriage 314 below, in the illustrated configuration, 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 due to support from the interface circuit board 312. However, it will be understood that other configurations are contemplated, and that in some configurations, the interface data terminals 306D may move with the carriage 314.Additionally, in some forms, device interface 200 may use a carriage (not shown) to support one or more terminals for movement relative to its shield, such as when the device power terminals are coupled to a relatively high voltage battery 159 such that the power P being transferred is relatively high voltage DC power P. Other configurations are contemplated.

[0046] In the illustrated configuration, interface housing 310 also includes a lip 334 extending from shield 308 to lip edge 336 to define a socket 338 shaped to receive plug 226 of device interface 200 in connected state SC (see FIG. 12D ). Here, socket 338 is arranged to receive plug 226 in a keyed arrangement to couple facility interface 300 and device interface 200 together in connected state SC. More specifically, in the illustrated configuration, socket 338 of facility interface 300 has a key contour KI that is complementary to key contour KA of plug 226 of device interface 200 (see FIG. 7 ). Here, key contours KA, KI are shaped to releasably engage one another in keyed alignment along axis A. Here, the device terminals 206 and the interface terminals 306 are positioned relative to their respective key contours KA, KI to facilitate alignment between them in connected state SC, in keyed alignment along axis A (see FIG. 8 ). Also here, the complementary key contours KA of the device connector 202 and KI of the interface connector 302 are configured to prevent releasable mutual engagement in the absence of keyed alignment along axis A. A lip 334 surrounds the shield 308 and is positioned to abut the plug 226 to prevent interlocking in connected state SC in the absence of keyed alignment between the plug 226 and the socket 338. In the illustrated configuration, the lip edge 336 is spaced a lip distance DL from the shield 308 (see FIG. 13A ). The magnetic attraction between the device magnetic element 204 and the interface magnetic element 304 occurs in response to the interface magnetic element 304 being within a threshold distance DT (see FIG. 13C) of the device magnetic element 204, and the lip distance DL is greater than the threshold distance DT.This configuration helps ensure that the equipment interface 300 maintains the retracted mode MR upon initial positioning of the interface connector 302 relative to the device connector 20, i.e., that the interface magnetic element 304 and the device magnetic element 204 remain spaced apart from each other by a distance greater than the threshold distance DT when misaligned contact occurs between the lip 334 and some portion of the plug 226 (e.g., the device connector face 220).

[0047] As best seen in FIG. 9 , the illustrated configuration shows a mount 340 extending from interface pocket 326 away from interface housing 310 to support guide 342 in spaced-apart relation from shield 308. Mount 340 supports carriage 314 for movement as described in more detail below. Interface housing 310 also defines a shell flange 344 adjacent interface pocket 326 that is configured to engage cover 322 of interface connector 302. In the illustrated configuration, cover 322 has a generally hollow, shell-like profile shaped to, among other things, facilitate ergonomic handling of facility interface 300 by routing wires from tether T to interface terminal 306 and generally prevent the ingress of contaminants into the internal components of facility interface 300. Cover 322 has a cover flange 346 shaped to engage shell flange 344 to attach cover 322 to interface housing 310, such as by a “snap-fit” engagement. However, other configurations are contemplated, and cover 322 may be operably attached to interface housing 310 in many different ways, including by adhesive, ultrasonic welding, and / or other forms of mechanical connection. While cover 322 may be formed as a separate component from interface housing 310 during manufacture to, among other things, facilitate assembly of facility interface 300, it is contemplated that interface connector 302 may be configured in other ways, such as where all or a portion of cover 322 is integrally formed with interface housing 310. Similarly, while the depicted form of facility interface 300 shows shield 308, mount 340, guide 342, and other portions of interface connector 302 as integrally formed with interface housing 310, it will be understood that these and other components may be separately formed and operably attached to interface housing 310, directly or indirectly, in many different ways.

[0048] As mentioned above, in the illustrated configuration, to facilitate changing operation of the interface connector 302 between the retraction mode MR and the extension mode ME, the interface terminals 306 (more specifically, the plurality of interface power terminals 306P) are operably mounted to a carriage 314, which is also arranged for movement relative to the shield 308 (as well as the guide 342 and other portions of the interface connector 302). More specifically, the carriage 314 is arranged for movement between a retracted position PR (see FIG. 12A ) and an extended position PE (see FIG. 12D ). In the retracted position PR, the interface terminals 306 are spaced apart from the shield connector face 330 to limit contact between the interface terminals 306 and environmental objects at the shield connector face 330 during operation in the retraction mode MR. In the extended position PE, the interface terminals 306 extend from the shield holes 332 beyond the shield connector face 330 to abut against the device terminals 206 and establish a connected state SC during operation in the extension mode ME. In the configuration shown, the interface terminals 306 are at least partially disposed within the shield holes 332 in the retracted position PR (see FIG. 12A ). However, it is understood that the interface terminals 306 may be configured to be retracted from the shield holes 332 in some configurations.

[0049] As best shown in FIGS. 9-10 , the carriage 314 includes a plate 348 supporting the interface power terminals 306P, which may be connected to the wires of the tether T as described above. While not shown in the drawings, in some configurations, the plate 348, or another portion of the carriage 314, may support a circuit board, which may also support the interface power terminals 306P. Furthermore, while the carriage 314 supports the interface power terminals 306P in the configuration shown, it is understood that the carriage 314 may support other interface terminals 306 (e.g., one or more interface data terminals 306D) in some configurations. Similarly, it is understood that in some configurations, some but not all of the interface power terminals 306P may be supported on the carriage 314, for example, where the ground-connected interface power terminal 306P is supported by the shield 308 or another portion (not shown) of the interface connector 302 instead of the carriage 314. Other configurations are also contemplated.

[0050] Plate 348 of carriage 314 defines carriage magnet mount 350 that supports interface magnetic element 304 for simultaneous movement with the carriage between retracted position PR and extended position PE. Carriage 314 also includes seats 352 that engage stops 354 supported by guide 342 and are positioned to abut carriage 314 in retracted position PR (see FIG. 13A ). More specifically, in the illustrated form, stops 354 are defined by a pair of fasteners 356 that are threadably disposed with guide holes 358 defined in guide 342. The pair of fasteners 356 are received within respective seats 352 of carriage 314 to define adjusters 318 to facilitate adjustment of retracted position PR. However, it is understood that stops 354 may be configured in other manners, operably attached to interface connector 302 by means other than threading, and / or may be non-adjustable in some forms. Carriage 314 also includes a spring seat 360 that supports biasing element 316. As shown schematically in Figures 12A-13D, biasing element 316 is interposed between interface housing 310 and carriage 314 to bias carriage 314 away from shield 308 and toward retracted position PR. It is understood that biasing element 316 and adjuster 318 may be configured to facilitate adjustment of retracted position PR while ensuring that carriage 314 is biased toward retracted position PR in the absence of magnetic attraction between interface magnetic element 304 and device magnetic element 204.

[0051] As described 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 disposed in the interface pockets 326 and shaped to receive one of the auxiliary interface magnetic elements 320 described above. In the illustrated form, as best shown in FIG. 9 , a release boss 364 is defined in the interface housing 310 adjacent the interface magnetic element 304 for receiving at least a portion of the interface magnetic element 304 when the carriage 314 is in the extended position PE (see FIG. 13D ). It is understood that this configuration can aid in positioning the interface magnetic element 304 closely to the shield connector face 330, but may be omitted in some forms.

[0052] In some forms, the connection system 198 can include one or more status sensors 366 to determine a change between the connected state SC and the disconnected state SD. In the form shown, the status sensor 366, implemented as a momentary switch, is supported by the interface circuit board 312 and extends through a sensor seat 368 defined in the shield 308 to the socket 338 to detect abutment with the device connector face 220 in the connected state SC. However, it is understood that the status sensor 366 can be configured in many different ways, including, but not limited to, various arrangements of switches, buttons, potentiometers, encoders, Hall-effect sensors, and the like, to determine a change of operation between the connected state SC and the disconnected state SD. Other configurations are also contemplated. In some forms, the status sensor 366 can be 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 with the device controller 156 or other portions of the control system 154 (e.g., to facilitate operation of the power converter 164). Other configurations are also contemplated. In some forms, the status sensor 366 may be positioned to be triggered after one or more electrical connections are made by the connection system 198 in the connected state SC, or may be the first component to disconnect when the connection state SC is removed. Other configurations are also contemplated herein, including where the various terminals of the connection system 198 are positioned to engage or abut one another before the other terminals.

[0053] It is understood that the status sensor 366 may be supported on the equipment interface 300 or implemented as part of the equipment interface 300 and / or the device interface 200, and that multiple status sensors 366 of various types may be used. In some forms, the status sensor 366 may be configured to detect a change in operation between the connected state SC and the disconnected state SD via contactless interaction between the sensor and an emitter (not shown). In some forms, the status sensor 366 may be defined based on an electrical path that is closed (e.g., by one or more device data terminals 206D and one or more interface data terminals 306D) during operation in the connected state SC. In some forms, a signal from the status sensor 366 may be used to facilitate a change in operation of one or more components or systems of the equipment F (e.g., initialization of or change in delivery of power P) and / or a change in operation of one or more components or systems of the patient support apparatus 100 (e.g., change in operation of the powered device PD). Other configurations are also contemplated.

[0054] 1-13D provides significant opportunities for improved usability and safety associated with operating the patient support apparatus 100 with a powered device PD powered by a battery 159. As an illustrative example, in a scenario where the equipment F is configured such that the external power source 157 provides AC power (e.g., 110-220 VAC at 50-60 Hz), the shield 308 promotes significantly safer handling of the equipment interface 300 by limiting contact of the interface power terminals 306P with environmental objects such as the caregiver's body, some parts of the patient support apparatus 100, or other objects to which power P may otherwise be transmitted (e.g., conventional electrical connectors (not shown) having "hot" contacts). Additionally, the breakaway capabilities provided by the connection system 198 help prevent accidental damage to the equipment interface 200 and the equipment interface 300, as well as to the patient support apparatus 100 and some other parts of the equipment F. Also herein, because the equipment interface 300 automatically changes operation from the extended mode ME to the retracted mode ME in response to the interface connector 302 moving away from the equipment connector 202, such as due to an external force acting between the equipment connector 202 and the interface connector 302 that releases the equipment connector 202 and the interface connector 302 from the connected state SC, the patient support apparatus 100 may be safely and quickly moved away from the equipment interface 300 to the disconnected state SD, regardless of whether the external force was intentional or unintentional. Additionally, each of the configurations of the connection system 198 described herein and shown throughout the figures provides an opportunity for improved charging of the battery 159 of the patient support apparatus 100 in that a caregiver can quickly and easily attach the equipment interface 200 and the equipment interface 300 together to the connected state CS to facilitate charging the battery 159 with power P from the equipment F's external power source 157.

[0055] As mentioned above, alternative configurations of device and equipment interfaces for a patient support system are shown in FIGS. 14-19B. As will be understood from the following description, the configurations shown in FIGS. 14-19B are similar to the configurations described above in connection with FIGS. 1-13D. Accordingly, components and structural features of the configurations shown in FIGS. 14-19B that are the same as or correspond to those of the configurations shown in FIGS. 1-13D are given the same reference numerals. Certain differences between these configurations are described in detail below; however, for clarity, consistency, and brevity, only certain structural features and components common to the configurations are described and shown in detail in the drawings in connection with the configurations shown in FIGS. 14-19B. Unless otherwise indicated, the description of the configurations shown in FIGS. 1-13D may be incorporated by reference with respect to the configurations shown in FIGS. 14-19B, but is not limited thereto.

[0056] 14-19B, one configuration of the device interface 200 and equipment interface 300 of the connection system 198 of the patient support system 98 is shown. In this configuration, the equipment interface 300 is placed in electrical communication with an external power source 157 (also referred to in some configurations herein as the "AC power source 157"). The interface connector 302 of the equipment interface 300 supports, among other things, an interface magnetic element 304 (which in this configuration is realized as a single element having an elongated trapezoidal profile) and a plurality of interface terminals 306, including a plurality of interface power terminals 306P. An infrastructure controller 186 is placed in electrical communication with the plurality of interface power terminals 306P and the AC power source 157, such as by one or more relays 400 controlled by the infrastructure controller 186 (see FIG. 2, not shown in detail). Here, the infrastructure controller 186 is operable between an active mode MA and a shut-down mode MI. In the active mode MA, the interface power terminal 306P is electrically coupled to the AC power source 157. In the shutdown mode MI, the power terminals 306P are electrically isolated from the AC power source 157. The device connector 202 of the device interface 200 supports, among other things, a device magnetic element 204 (which in this configuration is realized as a pair of generally cylindrical elements), a carrier 402, and a plurality of device terminals 206. More specifically, in this configuration, the carrier 402 supports a plurality of device power terminals 206P (see FIG. 2, not shown in detail) that are placed in electrical communication with the battery 159 and is arranged for sliding movement relative to the device housing 208 along a carrier axis CA between a carrier extended position NE (see FIGS. 18A-18B), a carrier retracted position NR (see FIG. 18D), and one or more carrier intermediate positions therebetween (see FIG. 18C, not shown in detail).In this configuration, contact made between the plurality of interface power terminals 306P and the plurality of device power terminals 206P moves the carrier 402 away from the carrier-extended position NE, and magnetic attraction between the device magnetic element 204 and the interface magnetic element 304 urges the carrier 402 to the carrier-retracted position NR to releasably couple the equipment interface 300 to the device interface 200 in the connected state SC. Here, the infrastructure controller 186 is configured to change operation from the disconnected mode MI to the active mode MA in response to determining operation in the connected state SC that electrically connects the AC power source 157 and the charger 164 to facilitate charging the battery 159.

[0057] 1-13D, the configuration of connection system 198 shown in FIGS. 14-19B uses different measures to ensure safe handling of the components of device interface 200 and the components of facility interface 300, while still limiting external contact with the terminals that may be placed in communication with external power source 157. As mentioned above, and as explained in more detail below, in this configuration, infrastructure controller 186 does not direct AC power source 157 to interface power terminals 306P until it determines that facility interface 300 and device interface 200 are coupled together and in connected state SC. While this determination can be made in many different ways, as explained in more detail below, it is understood that this configuration helps to facilitate safe handling of interface connector 302. 1-13D in that the interface power terminals 306B are positioned in a spaced-apart relationship from the shield connector face 330 in a recessed configuration to limit contact with external or environmental objects. However, in this configuration, the interface power terminals 306B are not supported for movement relative to the interface connector face 404, but are instead coupled to the interface housing 310.

[0058] The infrastructure controller 186 may be configured in some forms to determine a change of operation between a connected state SC and a disconnected state SD to, among other things, control how power is or is not directed to one or more of the interface terminals 306. In some forms, 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 equipment interface 300, such as by operating in a disconnect mode MI to prevent the AC power source 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 manners, such as by changing the degree to which power is provided, based on a determination of the connected state SC, and / or based on one or more sensors, as described in more detail below.

[0059] In some configurations, the interface connector 302 supports an interface sensing element 406 and the device connector 202 supports a device sensing element 408, and the interaction between the interface sensing element 406 and the device sensing element 408 can be used to determine operation in the connection state SC. For example, one or more of the interface sensing element 406 and the device sensing element 408 can be configured similarly to the state sensor 366 described above. In the configurations shown in FIGS. 14-19B, the interface sensing element 406 is in electrical communication with the infrastructure controller 186. The infrastructure controller 186 is configured to determine operation in the connection state SC based on a releasable attachment of the device connector 202 and the interface connector 302 that positions the interface sensing element 406 in a predetermined element position AR (see FIG. 18D) relative to the device sensing element 408. In the exemplary configurations shown herein, the interface sensing element 406 is further defined as one or more of the interface data terminals 306D, and the device sensing element 408 is further defined as one or more of the device data terminals 206D arranged to abut against one or more of the interface data terminals 306D in the connected state SC to define a predetermined element arrangement AR. For example, in some configurations, the device interface 200 can include a first device data terminal 206D1 and a second device data terminal 206D2, and the equipment interface 300 can include a first interface data terminal 306D1 and a second interface data terminal 306D2 arranged to engage the first device data terminal 206D1 and the second device data terminal 206D2, respectively, for electrical communication in the connected state SC.14, the first device data terminal 206D1 and the second device data terminal 206D2 can be placed in electrical communication with each other (e.g., by a wire, a trace on a circuit board, or the like (not shown)), such that operation in the connected state SC places the first interface data terminal 306D1 and the second interface data terminal 306D2 in electrical communication with each other, while operation in the disconnected state SD removes the first interface data terminal 306D1 from electrical communication with the second interface data terminal 306D2. Here, the infrastructure controller 186 may be configured to send a sense 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 look for the same sense signal being received at the second interface data terminal 306D2 to determine operation in the connected state SC. However, as mentioned above, the infrastructure controller 186 may determine operation in the connected state SC in many different ways, and other configurations are also contemplated.

[0060] 18A-18D, this configuration of connection system 198 is configured so that, upon attachment of device connector 202 and interface connector 302, physical contact and engagement between interface power terminals 306P and device power terminals 206P occurs at a location where these terminals 306P, 206P are protected from contact with external or environmental objects by the shape and configuration of this configuration of interface housing 310 (similar to plug 226 described above) and device housing 208 (similar to lip 334 described above). Again, this engagement occurs prior to contact between interface data terminals 306D and device data terminals 206D, which is used to define a connection state SC used by infrastructure controller 186 to change operation from shut-down mode MI to active mode MA. As will be appreciated from the following description, arcing across the power terminals 306P, 206P is significantly mitigated because engagement between the interface power terminals 306P and the device power terminals 206P is established prior to the change of operation to the active mode MA and is maintained by the carrier 402 while the connection state SC is achieved. Also herein, the use of the interface power terminals 306P and the power terminals 206P, implemented as solid electrical pins or contacts rather than pogo pins, further facilitates arcing mitigation, and thus the device interface 200 includes a carrier biasing element 410 positioned to bias the carrier 402 toward the carrier-extended position NE. As will be appreciated from the following description, this configuration does not rely on the use of a biasing element located in the electrical load path to maintain engagement between the power terminals 306P, 206P. In contrast, the use of pogo pins, for example, can wear, stick, or weaken relative to one another at different rates, potentially increasing the risk of arcing.In this regard, in the illustrated configuration, the carrier biasing element 410 is positioned out of electrical communication with the device power terminals 206P, out of the electrical path formed between the engaged power terminals 306P, 206P, and applies a biasing force to the carrier 402 to urge the carrier 402 into the carrier-extended position NE, which in turn consistently and evenly biases the device power terminals 206P into engagement with the interface power terminals 306P. While the illustrated configuration utilizes power terminals 206P, 306P having a generally cylindrical profile, it will be understood that some of the power terminals may utilize dome- or cup-shaped contact surfaces, and other configurations are also contemplated. As a non-limiting example, one or more of the terminals 206, 306 may be implemented with an annular profile.

[0061] In the illustrated configuration, the plurality of device power terminals 206P extend from the carrier 402 to respective terminal ends 412 (also referred to herein for some configurations as "contact pads 218" when referring to the device terminals 206 or "contact surfaces 324" when referring to the interface terminals 306). The terminal ends 412 define a reference plane PN that is spaced a first plane distance P1 from the device data terminals 206P (or some other reference position) when the carrier 402 is in the carrier-extended position NE (see FIGS. 18A-18B ) and a second plane distance P2 from the device data terminals 206P (or some other reference position as described above) when the carrier 402 is disposed in the carrier-retracted position NR (see FIG. 18D ). The second plane distance P2 is less than the first plane distance P1. A reference plane PN defined by the terminal ends 412 of the device power terminals 206P is spaced from the device connector face 220, and movement of the carrier 402 from the carrier extended position NE to the carrier retracted position NR moves the reference plane PN toward the device connector face 220 (see FIGS. 18A-18D). A carrier axis CA is disposed substantially perpendicular to the reference plane PN in the illustrated configuration. As shown in FIG. 18D, the device connector face 220 is spaced from and substantially parallel to the interface connector face 404 when operating in the connected state SC.

[0062] When the carrier 402 is positioned in the carrier extended position NE (see FIG. 18B), the device data terminal 206D releases contact with the interface data terminal 306D when the device power terminal 206P abuts against the interface power terminal 306P, and the device power terminal 206P remains in abutment with the interface power terminal 306P while the carrier 402 moves toward the carrier retracted position NR (see FIGS. 18C and 18D).

[0063] The device data terminal 206D leaves contact with the interface data terminal 306D as the carrier 402 moves away from the carrier retracted position NR (see FIG. 18D) toward the carrier extended position NE (see FIGS. 18C and 18B). Here, the infrastructure controller 185 is configured to change operation from the active mode MA to the shut down mode MI in response to determining that the device data terminal 206D has left contact with the interface data terminal 306D (compare FIGS. 18D and 18C), and the device power terminal 206P remains in abutment with the interface power terminal 306P during operation in the shut down mode MI as the carrier 402 moves away from the carrier retracted position NR toward the carrier extended position NE (compare FIGS. 18D, 18C, and 18B).

[0064] In this configuration, the carrier 402 is supported for sliding movement along the carrier axis CA as described above, and also for rotation about the carrier axis CA. To this end, as best shown in FIGS. 15-16 and 18A-18D , the carrier 402 generally includes a carrier mount 414 defining a carrier bore 416 disposed along the carrier axis CA, and a plurality of carrier guides 418 spaced from the carrier axis CA and each supporting a device power terminal 206P for simultaneous movement between a carrier-extended position NE and a carrier-retracted position NR. Here, a fastener 356, such as 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 device housing 208, along with a washer 422, supports the fastener 356, which in the illustrated configuration also supports the carrier biasing element 410 in engagement with the carrier 402. The device connector face 220 defines a plurality of guide seats 424 shaped and arranged to receive respective ones of the plurality of carrier guides 418. In the illustrated form, the carrier guides 418 have a generally elongated cylindrical profile and the guide seats 424 are embodied as generally cylindrical holes, although it will be understood that other configurations are contemplated.

[0065] 19A-19B, the carrier guides 418 are arranged relative to their respective guide seats 424 to allow the carrier 402 to move away from the carrier-extended position NE in response to a uniform application of force acting on the device power terminals 206P (e.g., as described above with respect to FIGS. 18A-18D), and to prevent the carrier 402 from moving away from the carrier-extended position NE in response to a non-uniform application of force acting on the device power terminals 206P that rotates the carrier 402 about the carrier axis CA (see FIG. 19B and compare with FIG. 19A). This arrangement helps to ensure proper sliding movement of the carrier 402 when the device interface 200 is moved into releasable engagement with the facility interface 300, while also helping to prevent movement of the carrier 402 in scenarios where unintended contact occurs between one or more of the device power terminals 206P and an external or environmental object. It is also understood that this form of facility interface 300 and device interface 200 is configured to prevent the accumulation of external contaminants, particularly fluids, which may otherwise cause electrical shorts between the various terminals 206, 306.

[0066] As noted above, the configuration of the connection system 198 shown in Figures 14-19B provides significant advantages with respect to mitigating arcing between the power terminals 206P, 306P, as the equipment interface 300 moves into and out of releasable engagement in connection state SC with the device interface 200 based, inter alia, on 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 active mode MA and inactive mode MI.

[0067] In some forms, as an alternative or in addition to the functionality described above with respect to changing between active mode MA and inactive mode MI based on a determination of connection state SC, the infrastructure controller 186 and / or one or more of the additional components may be used by the patient support system 98 to help prevent arcing between the terminals 206, 306, such as to detect failure modes, debris buildup, impartial connections, intermittent connections, etc. To this end, the infrastructure controller 186 may be configured to monitor the current in connection state SC when operating in active mode MA, and to change operation from active mode MA to inactive mode MI in response to the monitored current exceeding a predetermined current threshold. In some forms, a temperature sensor S (see FIG. 2 , not shown in detail) may be placed in electrical communication with the infrastructure controller 186 and may be arranged to sense a temperature of one or more of the interface connector 302 and the device connector 202, the infrastructure controller 186 being further configured to monitor the temperature sensor S in the connected state SC when operating in the active mode MA, and to change operation from the active mode MA to the inactive mode MI in response to the temperature sensor S detecting a temperature exceeding a predetermined temperature threshold. Here, for example, power may be shut off or at least partially limited based on a change in temperature sensed by the temperature sensor.

[0068] In some forms, an engagement sensor S (see FIG. 2 , not shown in detail) may be placed in electrical communication with the infrastructure controller 186 and operably attached to the interface connector 302 to detect user engagement with the interface connector 302, the infrastructure controller 186 being further configured to monitor the engagement sensor S in the connected state SC when operating in the active mode MA, and to change operation from the active mode MA to the inactive mode MI in response to the engagement sensor S detecting user engagement with the interface connector 302. Here, power may be shut off or at least partially limited based on user engagement detected by the engagement sensor S, indicating, for example, that the user is attempting to disconnect the interface connector 302 from the device connector 202.

[0069] In some forms, a force sensor S (see FIG. 2 , not shown in detail) may be placed in electrical communication with the infrastructure controller 186 and operably attached to the interface connector 302 to detect forces acting on the interface connector 302, the infrastructure controller 186 being further configured to monitor the force sensor S in the connected state SC when operating in the active mode MA, and to change operation from the active mode MA to the inactive mode MI in response to the force sensor S detecting a predetermined applied force (e.g., exceeding a particular magnitude and / or in one or more particular directions) acting on the interface connector 302. Here, for example, power may be shut off or at least partially limited based on the detected force in a direction and / or amount that could disconnect the interface connector 302 from the device connector 202.

[0070] It is understood that the above are illustrative and non-limiting examples, and that other configurations and arrangements of similar or other types of sensors S may be used together or separately with one or more of the illustrative sensors described above. In some forms, the sensors S may be responsive to contact, engagement, force, proximity, etc. In some forms, resistance monitoring across the terminals 306, 206 may be used to notify a caregiver when cleaning and / or maintenance may be required. Similarly, one or more optical sensors S of various types may be positioned to detect carbon buildup on the terminals 206, 306, which, if undetected, may prevent contact between the power terminals 206P, 306P and / or cause contact degradation over time. Additionally, voltage and / or current monitoring, as well as monitoring for state changes over time that may indicate a problem (e.g., a time-based delay when no current is detected but the data terminals 206D, 306D are determined to be connected), may be used to assess the quality of the connection in the connection state SC and may indicate a change between modes MI, MA, the need for service or maintenance, etc. Other configurations are possible.

[0071] As mentioned above, another configuration of the device interface and the equipment interface of the patient support system is shown in FIGS. 20-25B. As will be understood from the following description, the configuration shown in FIGS. 20-25B is similar to the configuration described above with respect to FIGS. 1-13D and 14-19B. Accordingly, components and structural features of the configurations shown in FIGS. 20-25B that are the same as or correspond to the configurations shown in FIGS. 1-13D and 14-19B are given the same reference numerals. Certain differences between these configurations are described in detail below; however, for clarity, consistency, and brevity, only certain structural features and components common between the configurations are described and shown in detail in the drawings with respect to the configurations shown in FIGS. 20-25B. Unless otherwise indicated, the descriptions of the configurations shown in FIGS. 1-13D and 14-19B may be incorporated by reference with respect to the configurations shown in FIGS. 20-25B, but are not limited thereto.

[0072] 20-25B, there is shown one configuration of the device interface 200 and equipment interface 300 of the connection system 198 of the patient support system 98. In this configuration, the equipment interface 300 is placed in electrical communication with the external power source 157 in a similar manner as described above with respect to the configuration shown in FIGURES 1-13 in that the infrastructure controller 186 does not necessarily have to interrupt communication between the interface power terminals 306P and the AC power source 157 because the configuration of the interface connectors 302 prevents contact between external or environmental objects and the interface power terminals 306P.

[0073] In this form, the interface connector 302 includes blocking recesses 426 defined in the interface connector face 404. Each blocking recess 426 is associated with one of the device power terminals 306P, and each includes or defines a central region 428, at least one blocking element 430, and at least one relief region 432. Each central region 428 is positioned to receive the device power terminal 306P along a respective terminal axis TA (for illustrative purposes, only one of which is shown throughout the drawings) to releasably couple the device interface 200 and the facility interface 300 together into a connected state SC in response to magnetic attraction between the device magnetic element 204 and the interface magnetic element 304 resulting from the device power terminal 306P abutting against the respective interface power terminal 206P to facilitate charging of the battery 159 by the AC power source 157 (see FIG. 22 , not shown in detail). The at least one blocking element 430 of each blocking recess 426 extends toward the central region 428 and is spaced from the terminal axis TA to at least partially limit contact between the interface power terminal 306P and an external or environmental object. The at least one relief region 432 of each blocking recess 426 is defined adjacent the corresponding at least one blocking element 430 and is disposed in communication with the central region 428 to accommodate at least a portion of the respective device power terminal 206P in response to an external force acting on the interface connector 302 in a direction transverse to the terminal axis TA (see FIGS. 24-25B, in turn) and overcoming the magnetic attraction between the device magnetic element 204 and the interface magnetic element 304, so as to separate the interface connector 302 from the device connector 202.

[0074] It will be appreciated that the configuration of the connection system 198 shown in Figures 20-25B is configured to be "touch-safe" based on the arrangement of the blocking element 430 in the blocking recess 426 and the relative arrangement of the interface power terminal 306P within the blocking recess 426, while also allowing the connection system 198 to be disconnected from the connected state SC in a direction transverse to the terminal axis TA based on the configuration of the relief area 432 of the blocking recess 426 and the relative arrangement and configuration of the device power terminal 206P contained within the blocking recess 426 during a disconnection event occurring in a direction transverse to the terminal axis TA from the connected state SC.

[0075] As best shown in FIG. 22 , each interface power terminal 306P extends to a terminal end 412 that is disposed within a central region 428 of the blocking recess 426 and is spaced from the interface connector face 404 along its terminal axis TA. It is understood here that spacing the terminal ends 412 of the interface power terminals 306P “below” the interface connector face 404 requires that an external or environmental object must be long enough to extend along the terminal axis TA to reach the terminal ends 412 of the interface power terminals 306P, yet small enough to extend into the central region 428. A configuration without the blocking element 430 or relief region 432 would also prevent wide and / or short environmental objects from reaching the terminal ends 412, but such a configuration would also require that the cut-off occur substantially along the terminal axis TA.

[0076] As best shown in FIG. 23 , in the illustrated configuration, each of the blocking recesses 426 employs multiple blocking elements 430 radially disposed about the terminal axis TA and multiple relief areas 432 radially interposed between the multiple blocking elements 430. It will be appreciated that employing multiple blocking elements helps prevent larger external or environmental objects (e.g., a caregiver's fingers) from reaching the terminal end 412 of the interface power terminal 306P. In the illustrated configuration, the multiple relief areas 432 of the blocking recess 426 are each shaped to accommodate at least a portion of the device power terminal 206P in response to external forces acting on the interface connector 302 from the connected state SC in different directions transverse to the terminal axis TA. In other words, the particular relief areas 432 may be positioned taking into account common or anticipated cross-cut scenarios (e.g., a side impact on the interface connector 302). Also in the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of blocking elements 430 each include a first pair of blocking elements 430A and a second pair of blocking elements 430B extending toward the terminal axis TA to a blocking element end 434. A first blocking element distance B1 is defined between the blocking element ends 434 of the first pair of blocking elements 430A, and a second blocking element distance B2, which is greater than the first blocking element distance B1, is defined between the blocking element ends 434 of the second pair of blocking elements 430B. Although not shown in detail throughout the drawings, the larger second blocking element distance B2 allows the second pair of blocking elements 430 to have a smaller configuration, but still prevent contact between the interface power terminal 306P and external or environmental objects, while still helping to optimize open space to allow for rotation of the device power terminal 206P through a compound angle. However, it is understood that other configurations of the blocking recess 426 are contemplated, including various quantities and arrangements of the blocking elements 430. Other configurations are also contemplated.

[0077] Several embodiments have been discussed in the above description. However, the embodiments discussed herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to any particular form. The terminology 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.

[0078] The many features and advantages of the present invention are apparent from the detailed specification, and it is, therefore, intended by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of the invention that fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. Further, because 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 as illustrated and described, and therefore, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be employed that fall within the scope of the invention.

[0079] The present disclosure also includes the following clauses, with specific features disclosed in dependent clauses, which may be specifically implemented as described in more detail with reference to the above configurations and drawings.

[0080] Terms I. A patient support apparatus comprising: a support structure having a patient support deck defining a patient support surface; a battery operably attached to the support structure; a power receiving device for performing a power receiving function of the patient support apparatus; a control system for operating the power receiving device using power from the battery; a device interface including a device connector, a device magnetic element, and a device terminal placed in electrical communication with said control system; a patient support apparatus comprising: an equipment interface for providing selective connection to an external power source for charging the battery of the patient support apparatus, the equipment interface including: an interface connector having a shield, an interface magnetic element, and an interface terminal for being placed in electrical communication with the external power source; a retracted mode in which the shield at least partially limits contact between the interface terminals and an environmental object; and an extended mode in which the interface terminals are positioned relative to the shield so as to abut the device terminals; an equipment interface operable between 1. A patient support system comprising: and wherein the interface connector changes operation from the retracted mode to the extended mode to releasably couple the device interface and the equipment interface into a connected state in response to a magnetic attraction between the device magnetic element and the interface magnetic element caused by the device terminal abutting against the interface terminal to facilitate charging of the battery by the external power source. II. The patient support system of clause I, wherein the equipment interface includes a carriage that supports the interface magnetic elements and the interface terminals for movement relative to the shield. III. The device terminal is further defined as a device power terminal; The patient support system of clause II, wherein the interface terminal is further defined as an interface power terminal arranged to abut against the interface power terminal in the connected state to facilitate charging of the battery by the external power source. IV. said device interface further includes a device data terminal spaced from said device power terminal and in electrical communication with said control system; The patient support system of clause III, wherein the interface connector further includes an interface data terminal spaced apart from the interface power terminal and positioned to abut against the interface data terminal in the connected state to facilitate data transfer by 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. VI. the device interface includes a plurality of device power terminals; The patient support system of any one of clauses IV and V, wherein the equipment interface includes a plurality of interface power terminals. VII. The device interface includes a plurality of device data terminals; The patient support system of clause VI, wherein the equipment interface includes a plurality of interface data terminals. VIII. A patient support system as described in any one of clauses II to VII, wherein operation of the equipment 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 one of clauses II to VIII, wherein the equipment interface further includes an interface housing that supports the carriage for movement relative to the shield. X. The patient support system of clause IX, wherein the equipment interface further includes a biasing element interposed between the interface housing and the carriage to bias the carriage away from the shield. XI. The patient support system of any one of clauses IX to X, wherein the interface housing defines the shield. XII. the shield defines a shield aperture; The patient support system of any one of clauses I to XI, wherein the interface terminal extends from the shield hole when operating in the extended mode. XIII. said interface connector includes an interface housing defining said shield; The patient support system of any one of clauses I to XII, wherein the device connector includes a device housing that supports the device magnetic element and the device terminal. XIV. said device housing defines a device connector face and a connector face hole; The patient support system described in clause XIII, wherein the device terminal is supported in the connector face hole and defines a contact pad positioned approximately flush with the device connector face to prevent accumulation of contaminants along the device connector face. XV. The patient support system of clause XIV, wherein the shield defines a shield connector surface positioned to abut the device connector surface in the connected state. XVI. The device housing defines a plug; A patient support system as described in any one of clauses XIV to XV, wherein the interface housing includes a lip extending 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 configured to receive the plug in keyed alignment to couple the equipment interface and the device interface in the connected state. XVIII. The patient support system of clause XVII, wherein the lip is positioned to abut the plug and prevent coupling during the absence of keyed alignment between the plug and the socket. XIX. The magnetic attraction between the device magnetic element and the interface magnetic element occurs in response to the interface magnetic element being positioned within a threshold distance of the device magnetic element; The patient support system of any one of clauses XVI to XVIII, wherein the lip edge is spaced from the shield by a lip distance greater than the threshold distance. XX. The support structure of the patient support apparatus includes a base and a bed having an intermediate frame supporting the patient support deck; The patient support system of any one of clauses I to XIX, wherein the power receiving device is further defined as a motor of a drive system configured to affect movement of the patient support apparatus along a floor surface. XXI. The support structure of the patient support apparatus includes a base and a bed having an intermediate frame supporting the patient support deck; The patient support system of any one of clauses I to XX, wherein the passive device is further defined as a lift actuator arranged to move the bed relative to the base. XXII. A patient support system as described in any one of clauses I to XXI, wherein the equipment interface changes operation from the extended mode to the retracted mode in response to the interface connector moving away from the equipment connector due to an external force acting between the equipment connector and the interface connector to release the equipment connector and the interface connector from the connected state to facilitate separation of the patient support apparatus from the equipment interface in a disconnected state. XXIII. The patient support system of any one of clauses I to XXII, wherein the device connector and the interface connector define complementary keyed contours shaped to releasably engage one another in keyed alignment along an axis. XXIV. The patient support system of clause XXIII, wherein the device terminals and the interface terminals are positioned to correspond to their respective key contours to facilitate abutment of the device terminals and the interface terminals in response to engagement in the connected state in keyed alignment along the axis. XXV. The patient support system of clause XXIV, wherein the complementary keying profiles of the device connector and the interface connector are configured to prevent releasable engagement with one another absent keyed alignment along the axis. XXVI. A patient support system as described in any one of clauses I to XXV, wherein the magnetic attraction between the device magnetic element and the interface magnetic element maintains the abutment between the interface terminal and the device terminal in the connected state in the absence of an external force acting between the device connector and the interface connector. XXVII. The patient support system of any one of clauses I to XXVI, further comprising a tether extending in electrical communication between the interface terminal of the equipment interface and the external power source to facilitate movement of the equipment interface. XXVIII. The equipment interface: a guide disposed in spaced relation from the shield; The patient support system of any one of clauses I to XXVII, further comprising: a carriage movably coupled to the guide and supporting the interface terminal. XXIX. The shield includes a shield connector face defining a shield aperture; The carriage includes: a retracted position in which the interface terminals are positioned in a spaced relationship from the shield connector face to limit contact between the interface terminals and environmental objects at the shield connector face when operating in the retracted mode; The patient support system of clause XXVIII, wherein the interface terminals are arranged to move relative to the guide between an extended position in which they extend from the shield hole beyond the shield connector surface so as to abut the device terminals in the connected state when operating in the extended mode. XXX. The patient support system of clause XXIX, wherein the interface terminal is at least partially disposed within the shield aperture in the retracted position. XXXI. The patient support system of any one of clauses XXIX to XXX, wherein the carriage defines a carriage magnet mount that supports the interface magnetic element for simultaneous movement with the carriage between the retracted position and the extended position. XXXII. The patient support system of any one of clauses XXIX to XXXI, wherein the equipment interface further includes a stop operably attached to the interface connector and positioned to abut the carriage in the retracted position. XXXIII. The patient support system of any one of clauses XXIX to XXXII, wherein the equipment interface further includes a biasing element for biasing the carriage toward the retracted position. XXXIV. An equipment interface placed in electrical communication with a source of AC power, comprising: an interface connector supporting an interface magnetic element and a plurality of interface power terminals; an infrastructure controller in electrical communication with the plurality of interface power terminals and the AC power source, an active mode in which the plurality of interface power terminals are electrically coupled to the AC power source; an infrastructure controller operable between an isolation mode and a shutdown mode, in which the plurality of interface power terminals are electrically isolated from the AC power source; an equipment interface including: 1. A patient support apparatus comprising: a support structure having a patient support deck; a battery operably attached to the support structure; a charger in electrical communication with the battery; a power receiving device for performing a power receiving function of the patient support apparatus; a device interface including a device connector supporting a device magnetic element and a carrier, the carrier supporting a plurality of device power terminals in electrical communication with the charger, the carrier being movable between a carrier extended position and a carrier retracted position; a patient support apparatus, 1. A patient support system comprising: contact between the plurality of interface power terminals and the plurality of device power terminals moves the carrier away from the carrier-extended position, and magnetic attraction between the device magnetic element and the interface magnetic element urges the carrier to the carrier-retracted position such that the equipment interface is releasably coupled to the device interface; The infrastructure controller changes operation from the shut-off mode to the active mode in response to determining operation in the connected state electrically coupling the AC power source and the charger to facilitate charging the battery. XXXV. said interface connector supports an interface sensing element in electrical communication with said infrastructure controller; the device connector supports a device sensing element; The patient support system of clause XXXIV, wherein the infrastructure controller is further configured to determine operation in the connected state based on a releasable attachment between the interface connector and the device connector that positions the interface sensing element in a predetermined element position relative to the device sensing element. XXXVI. The interface sensing element is further defined as one or more interface data terminals; The patient support system of clause XXXV, wherein the device sensing element is further defined as one or more device data terminals arranged to abut the one or more interface data terminals in the connected state to define the predetermined element arrangement. XXXVII. The one or more interface data terminals include a first interface data terminal and a second interface data terminal; the one or more device data terminals include a first device data terminal and a second device data terminal in electrical communication with the first device data terminal; the first interface data terminal is arranged to abut against the first device data terminal in the connected state; the second interface data terminal is arranged to abut against the second device data terminal in the connected state; The patient support system of clause XXXVI, wherein the infrastructure controller is further configured, in the connected state, to transmit a detection signal to the first interface data terminal and to receive the detection signal at the second interface data terminal. XXXVIII. The plurality of device power terminals extend from the carrier to respective terminal ends defining a reference plane; the reference surface is spaced a first surface distance from the one or more device data terminals when the carrier is disposed in the carrier-extended position; The patient support system of clause XXXVI or XXXXVII, wherein the reference surface is spaced a second surface distance from the one or more device data terminals when the carrier is positioned in the carrier retracted position, the second surface distance being less than the first surface distance. XXXIX. The patient support system of clause XXXVIII, wherein the one or more device data terminals are spaced out of contact with the one or more interface data terminals when the plurality of device power terminals are abutted with the plurality of interface power terminals when the carrier is positioned in the carrier extended position. XL. The patient support system of clause XXXIX, wherein the plurality of device power terminals maintain abutment with the plurality of interface power terminals as the carrier moves toward the carrier retracted position. XLI. The patient support system of clause XL, wherein the one or more device data terminals move out of contact with the one or more interface data terminals when the carrier moves out of the carrier retracted 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 shut-off mode in response to determining that the one or more device data terminals have left contact with the one or more interface data terminals. XLIII. The patient support system of any one of clauses XLI to XLII, wherein the plurality of device power terminals maintain abutting engagement with the plurality of interface power terminals when operating in the shut-off mode as the carrier moves away from the carrier retracted position toward the carrier extended position. XLIV. The patient support system of any one of clauses XXXIV to XLIII, wherein each of the plurality of device power terminals comprises a solid electrical pin. XLV. The patient support system of clause XLIV, wherein the device interface further includes a carrier biasing element positioned to bias the carrier toward the carrier extended position. XLVI. The patient support system of clause XLV, wherein the carrier biasing element is positioned out of electrical communication with the plurality of device power terminals. XLVII. The patient support system of any one of clauses XXXIV to XLVI, wherein the carrier is supported for sliding movement along a carrier axis between the carrier extended position and the carrier retracted position. XLVIII. 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 respectively supporting the plurality of device power terminals for simultaneous movement between the carrier extended position and the carrier retracted position. L. The patient support system of clause XLIX, wherein the device connector includes a device connector surface defining a plurality of guide seats, each shaped and arranged to receive one of the plurality of carrier guides. LI. said plurality of device power terminals extend from said plurality of carrier guides to respective terminal ends defining a reference plane spaced from said device connector face; The patient support system of clause L, wherein movement of the carrier from the carrier extended position toward the carrier retracted position moves the reference surface toward the device connector surface. LII. The patient support system of clause LI, wherein the carrier axis is positioned substantially perpendicular to the reference plane. LIII. The patient support system of any one of clauses L to LII, wherein the plurality of carrier guides are positioned relative to the plurality of guide seats to allow the carrier to move away from the carrier extended position in response to uniform application of forces acting on the plurality of device power terminals, and to prevent the carrier from moving away from the carrier extended position in response to non-uniform application of forces acting on the plurality of device power terminals that cause rotation of the carrier about the carrier axis. LIV. A patient support system as described in any one of clauses XXXIV-LIII, wherein the infrastructure controller is further configured to monitor current in the connected state when operating in the active mode, and to change operation from the active mode to the disconnected mode in response to the monitored current exceeding a predetermined current threshold. LV. Further comprising a temperature sensor in electrical communication with said infrastructure controller and positioned to sense a temperature of one or more of said interface connector and said device connector; The patient support system of any one of clauses XXXIV to LIV, wherein the infrastructure controller is further configured to monitor the temperature sensor in the connected state when operating in the active mode, and to change operation from the active mode to the disconnected mode in response to the temperature sensor detecting a temperature exceeding a predetermined temperature threshold. LVI. An engagement sensor in electrical communication with said infrastructure controller and operably attached to said interface connector for detecting user engagement with said interface connector; The patient support system of any one of clauses XXXIV to LV, wherein the infrastructure controller is further configured to monitor the engagement sensor in the connected state when operating in the active mode, and to change operation from the active mode to the disconnected mode in response to the engagement sensor detecting user engagement with the interface connector. LVII. Further comprising a force sensor in electrical communication with said infrastructure controller and operably attached to said interface connector for detecting a force acting on said interface connector; The patient support system of any one of clauses XXXIV to LVI, wherein the infrastructure controller is further configured to monitor the force sensor in the connected state when operating in the active mode, and to change operation from the active mode to the disconnected mode in response to the force sensor detecting a predetermined force acting on the interface connector. LVIII. A patient support apparatus comprising: a support structure having a patient support deck; a battery operably attached to the support structure; a charger in electrical communication with the battery; a power receiving device for performing a power receiving function of the patient support apparatus; a patient support apparatus including a device interface having a device connector surface and including a device connector supporting a device magnetic element and a device power terminal placed in electrical communication with the charger and extending from the device connector surface to a device terminal end; an equipment interface placed in electrical communication with a source of AC power, an interface connector having an interface connector face and supporting an interface magnetic element and an interface power terminal electrically coupled to the AC power source, the interface connector including a blocking recess defined in the interface connector face, the blocking recess comprising: a central region positioned to receive the device power terminal along a terminal axis such that the device power terminal abuts the interface power terminal, thereby releasably coupling the device interface and the facility interface into a connected state in response to magnetic attraction between the device magnetic element and the interface magnetic element to facilitate charging of the battery by the AC power source; at least one blocking element extending toward the central region and spaced from the terminal axis to at least partially limit contact between the interface power terminal and an environmental object; at least one relief area defined adjacent the at least one blocking element and disposed in communication with the central area to receive at least a portion of the device power terminal in response to an external force acting on the interface connector in a direction transverse to the terminal axis and overcoming a magnetic attraction force between the device magnetic element and the interface magnetic element to separate the interface connector from the device connector; an equipment interface having A patient support system comprising: LIX. said device connector supporting a plurality of device power terminals; The patient support system of clause LVIII, wherein the interface connector supports a plurality of device power terminals and includes a plurality of blocking recesses each positioned to receive the plurality of device power terminals. LX. The patient support system of any one of clauses LVIII to LIX, wherein the interface power terminal is disposed in the central region of the blocking recess and extends along the terminal axis to an interface terminal end that is spaced from the interface connector face. LXI. The at least one blocking element is further defined as a plurality of blocking elements radially disposed about the terminal shaft; The patient support system of any one of clauses LVIII to LX, wherein the at least one relief area is further defined as a plurality of relief areas radially interposed between the plurality of blocking elements. LXII. The patient support system of clause LXI, wherein each of the plurality of relief areas is shaped to accommodate at least a portion of the device power terminal in response to external forces acting on the interface connector in different directions transverse to the terminal axis. LXIII. said plurality of blocking elements includes a first pair of blocking elements and a second pair of blocking elements each extending toward said terminal shaft to a respective blocking element end; a first blocking element distance is defined between the blocking element ends of the first pair of blocking elements; A patient support system as described in any one of clauses LXI to LXII, wherein a second blocking element distance greater than the first blocking element distance is defined between the blocking element ends of the second pair of blocking elements.

Claims

1. 1. A patient support apparatus comprising: a support structure having a patient support deck defining a patient support surface; a battery operably attached to the support structure; a power receiving device for performing a power receiving function of the patient support apparatus; a control system for operating the power receiving device using power from the battery; a device interface including a device connector, a device magnetic element, and a device terminal placed in electrical communication with said control system; a patient support apparatus comprising: an equipment interface for providing selective connection to an external power source for charging the battery of the patient support apparatus, the equipment interface including: an interface connector having a shield, an interface magnetic element, and an interface terminal for being placed in electrical communication with the external power source; a retracted mode in which the shield at least partially limits contact between the interface terminals and an environmental object; and an extended mode in which the interface terminals are positioned relative to the shield so as to abut the device terminals; an equipment interface operable between 1. A patient support system comprising: and wherein the interface connector changes operation from the retracted mode to the extended mode in response to a magnetic attraction between the device magnetic element and the interface magnetic element caused by the device terminal abutting the interface terminal to facilitate charging of the battery by the external power source, so as to releasably couple the device interface and the equipment interface into a connected state.

2. The patient support system of claim 1 , wherein the equipment interface includes a carriage that supports the interface magnetic elements and the interface terminals for movement relative to the shield.

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

4. the device interface further includes a device data terminal spaced from the device power terminal and in electrical communication with the control system; 4. The patient support system of claim 3, wherein the interface connector further includes an interface data terminal spaced apart from the interface power terminal and positioned to abut against the interface data terminal in the connected state to facilitate data transfer by 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 device interface includes a plurality of device power terminals; The patient support system of claim 4 , wherein the equipment interface includes a plurality of interface power terminals.

7. the device interface includes a plurality of device data terminals; The patient support system of claim 6 , wherein the equipment interface includes a plurality of interface data terminals.

8. The patient support system of claim 2 , wherein operation of the equipment 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 equipment interface further includes an interface housing that supports the carriage for movement relative to the shield.

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

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

12. the shield defines a shield aperture; The patient support system of claim 1 , wherein the interface terminal extends from the shield hole when operating in the extended mode.

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

14. the device housing defines a device connector face and a connector face aperture; 14. The patient support system of claim 13, wherein the device terminals are supported in the connector face holes and define contact pads disposed substantially flush with the device connector face to prevent accumulation of contaminants along the device connector face.

15. The patient support system of claim 14 , wherein the shield defines a shield connector surface positioned to abut the device connector surface in the connected state.

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

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

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

19. the magnetic attraction between the device magnetic element and the interface magnetic element occurs in response to the interface magnetic element being positioned within a threshold distance of the device magnetic element; 17. The patient support system of claim 16, wherein the lip edge is spaced from the shield by a lip distance greater than the threshold distance.

20. the support structure of the patient support apparatus includes a base and a bed having an intermediate frame supporting the patient support deck; The patient support system of claim 1 , wherein the power receiving device is further defined as a motor of a drive system configured to affect movement of the patient support apparatus along a floor surface.

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

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

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

24. 24. The patient support system of claim 23, wherein the device terminals and the interface terminals are positioned to correspond to the respective key contours to facilitate abutment of the device terminals and the interface terminals in response to engagement in the connected state in keyed alignment along the axis.

25. 25. The patient support system of claim 24, wherein the complementary keyed profiles of the device connector and the interface connector are configured to prevent releasable engagement with one another in the absence of keyed alignment along the axis.

26. 2. The patient support system of claim 1, wherein the magnetic attraction between the device magnetic element and the interface magnetic element maintains the interface terminals and the device terminals in abutment in the connected state in the absence of an external force acting between the device connector and the interface connector.

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

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

29. the shield includes a shield connector face defining a shield aperture; The carriage includes: a retracted position in which the interface terminals are positioned in a spaced relationship from the shield connector face to limit contact between the interface terminals and environmental objects at the shield connector face when operating in the retracted mode; an extended position in which the interface terminals extend from the shield holes beyond the shield connector surface so as to abut against the device terminals in the connected state when operating in the extended mode; 30. The patient support system of claim 28, wherein the patient support system is arranged to move relative to the guide between

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

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

32. 30. The patient support system of claim 29, wherein the equipment interface further includes a stop operably attached to the interface connector and positioned to abut the carriage in the retracted position.

33. 30. The patient support system of claim 29, wherein the equipment interface further includes a biasing element for biasing the carriage toward the retracted position.

34. an equipment interface placed in electrical communication with a source of AC power, an interface connector supporting an interface magnetic element and a plurality of interface power terminals; an infrastructure controller in electrical communication with the plurality of interface power terminals and the AC power source, an active mode in which the plurality of interface power terminals are electrically coupled to the AC power source; an infrastructure controller operable between an isolation mode and a shutdown mode, in which the plurality of interface power terminals are electrically isolated from the AC power source; a facility interface including:

1. A patient support apparatus comprising: a support structure having a patient support deck; a battery operably attached to the support structure; a charger in electrical communication with the battery; a power receiving device for performing a power receiving function of the patient support apparatus; a device interface including a device connector supporting a device magnetic element and a carrier, the carrier supporting a plurality of device power terminals in electrical communication with the charger, the carrier being movable between a carrier extended position and a carrier retracted position; a patient support apparatus, 1. A patient support system comprising: contact between the plurality of interface power terminals and the plurality of device power terminals moves the carrier away from the carrier-extended position, and magnetic attraction between the device magnetic element and the interface magnetic element urges the carrier to the carrier-retracted position such that the equipment interface is releasably coupled to the device interface; The infrastructure controller changes operation from the shut-off mode to the active mode in response to determining operation in the connected state electrically coupling the AC power source and the charger to facilitate charging the battery.

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

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

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

38. the plurality of device power terminals extend from the carrier to respective terminal ends defining a reference plane; the reference surface is spaced a first surface distance from the one or more device data terminals when the carrier is disposed in the carrier-extended position; 37. The patient support system of claim 36, wherein the reference surface is spaced a second surface distance from the one or more device data terminals when the carrier is disposed in the carrier retracted position, the second surface distance being less than the first surface distance.

39. 39. The patient support system of claim 38, wherein the one or more device data terminals are spaced out of contact with the one or more interface data terminals when the plurality of device power terminals are abutted against the plurality of interface power terminals when the carrier is positioned in the carrier extended position.

40. 40. The patient support system of claim 39, wherein the plurality of device power terminals maintain abutment with the plurality of interface power terminals as the carrier moves toward the carrier retracted position.

41. 41. The patient support system of claim 40, wherein the one or more device data terminals move out of contact with the one or more interface data terminals when the carrier moves out of the carrier retracted position.

42. 42. The patient support system of claim 41, wherein the infrastructure controller is further configured to change operation from the active mode to the shut-down mode in response to determining that the one or more device data terminals have left contact with the one or more interface data terminals.

43. 42. The patient support system of claim 41, wherein the plurality of device power terminals maintain abutment with the plurality of interface power terminals when operating in the shut-off mode as the carrier moves away from the carrier retracted position toward the carrier extended position.

44. 35. The patient support system of claim 34, wherein each of the plurality of device power terminals comprises a solid electrical pin.

45. 45. The patient support system of claim 44, wherein the device interface further comprises a carrier biasing element positioned to bias the carrier toward the carrier extended position.

46. 46. ​​The patient support system of claim 45, wherein the carrier biasing element is positioned out of electrical communication with the plurality of device power terminals.

47. 35. The patient support system of claim 34, wherein the carrier is supported for sliding movement along a carrier axis between the carrier extended position and the carrier retracted position.

48. 48. The patient support system of claim 47, wherein the carrier is supported for rotation about the carrier axis.

49. 49. 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 respectively supporting the plurality of device power terminals for simultaneous movement between the carrier extended position and the carrier retracted position.

50. 50. The patient support system of claim 49, wherein the device connector includes a device connector surface defining a plurality of guide seats, each guide seat shaped and positioned to receive one of the plurality of carrier guides.

51. the plurality of device power terminals extend from the plurality of carrier guides to respective terminal ends defining a reference plane spaced from the device connector face; 51. The patient support system of claim 50, wherein movement of the carrier from the carrier extended position toward the carrier retracted position moves the reference surface toward the device connector surface.

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

53. 51. The patient support system of claim 50, wherein the plurality of carrier guides are positioned relative to the plurality of guide seats to allow the carrier to move away from the carrier extended position in response to uniform application of forces acting on the plurality of device power terminals, and to prevent the carrier from moving away from the carrier extended position in response to uneven application of forces acting on the plurality of device power terminals that cause rotation of the carrier about the carrier axis.

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

55. a temperature sensor in electrical communication with the infrastructure controller and positioned to sense a temperature of one or more of the interface connector and the device connector; 35. The patient support system of claim 34, wherein the infrastructure controller is further configured to monitor the temperature sensor in the connected state when operating in the active mode, and to change operation from the active mode to the disconnected mode in response to the temperature sensor detecting a temperature above a predetermined temperature threshold.

56. an engagement sensor in electrical communication with the infrastructure controller and operably attached to the interface connector for detecting user engagement with the interface connector; 35. The patient support system of claim 34, wherein the infrastructure controller is further configured to monitor the engagement sensor in the connected state when operating in the active mode, and to change operation from the active mode to the disconnected mode in response to the engagement sensor detecting user engagement with the interface connector.

57. a force sensor in electrical communication with the infrastructure controller and operably attached to the interface connector for detecting a force acting on the interface connector; 35. The patient support system of claim 34, wherein the infrastructure controller is further configured to monitor the force sensor in the connected state when operating in the active mode, and to change operation from the active mode to the disconnected mode in response to the force sensor detecting a predetermined force acting on the interface connector.

58. 1. A patient support apparatus comprising: a support structure having a patient support deck; a battery operably attached to the support structure; a charger in electrical communication with the battery; a power receiving device for performing a power receiving function of the patient support apparatus; a device interface including a device connector having a device connector face and supporting a device magnetic element and a device power terminal in electrical communication with the charger and extending from the device connector face to a device terminal end; a patient support apparatus comprising: an equipment interface placed in electrical communication with a source of AC power, an interface connector having an interface connector face and supporting an interface magnetic element and an interface power terminal electrically coupled to the AC power source, the interface connector including a blocking recess defined in the interface connector face, the blocking recess comprising: a central region positioned to receive the device power terminal along a terminal axis such that the device power terminal abuts the interface power terminal, thereby releasably coupling the device interface and the facility interface into a connected state in response to magnetic attraction between the device magnetic element and the interface magnetic element to facilitate charging of the battery by the AC power source; at least one blocking element extending toward the central region and spaced from the terminal axis to at least partially limit contact between the interface power terminal and an environmental object; at least one relief area defined adjacent the at least one blocking element and disposed in communication with the central area to receive at least a portion of the device power terminal in response to an external force acting on the interface connector in a direction transverse to the terminal axis to separate the interface connector from the device connector and overcoming a magnetic attraction force created between the device magnetic element and the interface magnetic element; an equipment interface having A patient support system comprising:

59. the device connector supports a plurality of device power terminals; 60. The patient support system of claim 58, wherein the interface connector supports a plurality of device power terminals and includes a plurality of blocking recesses respectively positioned to receive the plurality of device power terminals.

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

61. The at least one blocking element is further defined as a plurality of blocking elements radially arranged about the terminal shaft; 59. The patient support system of claim 58, wherein the at least one area in relief is further defined as a plurality of areas in relief radially interspaced between the plurality of blocking elements.

62. 62. The patient support system of claim 61, wherein each of the plurality of relief areas is shaped to accommodate at least a portion of the device power terminal in response to external forces acting on the interface connector in different directions transverse to the terminal axis.

63. the plurality of blocking elements include a first pair of blocking elements and a second pair of blocking elements each extending toward the terminal shaft to a respective blocking element end; a first blocking element distance is defined between the blocking element ends of the first pair of blocking elements; 62. The patient support system of claim 61, wherein a second blocking element distance is defined between the blocking element ends of the second pair of blocking elements, the second blocking element distance being greater than the first blocking element distance.

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