Patient support system including a patient support apparatus, a power distribution system, and a connector system

Abstract

A patient support system configured to be coupled to a power source includes a patient support apparatus, a power distribution system, and a connector system including a wall connector and an apparatus connector operatively coupled to the patient support apparatus and arranged for selective engagement with the wall connector in a connected state. A controller is configured to execute an initialization routine in response to the connector system entering the connected state to evaluate the quality of the connection between the wall connector and the apparatus connector. The initialization routine includes comparing an oscillating reference signal with a return reference signal r and changing operation of a main interrupt from an interrupt state to a live state to provide power from the power source across the connector system to the patient support apparatus in response to the comparison satisfying a predetermined condition.

Description

PATIENT SUPPORT SYSTEM INCLUDING A PATIENT SUPPORT APPARATUS, A POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM, AND A CONNECTOR SYSTEMCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] The subject patent application claims priority to and all the benefits of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 672,734 filed on July 18, 2024, and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 672,742 filed on July 18, 2024, the disclosures of which are each hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventional patient support apparatuses typically have one or more components that require electrical power. Such components include actuators, such as motors, pumps, and the like, as well as sensors, user interfaces, and control circuitry that oversees the operation of the one or more actuators. For example, modern hospital beds often include one or more user interfaces that allow a caregiver to control the movement of various portions of the bed, as well as to set alerts, and to monitor conditions of the bed (such as whether a patient has exited the bed or not). Due to the inclusion of the one or more components that require electrical power, there is a need to safely and conveniently transfer power from a power source of a facility to such patient support apparatuses, as well as facilitate communication with various external systems of the facility, such as nurse call systems, communication interfaces, networks, and the like.

[0003] While existing systems have generally performed well for their intended purpose, there remains a need in the art for patient support systems configured to be coupled to a power source of a facility to safely and conveniently transfer power from the power source of the facility to such patient support apparatuses.SUMMARY

[0004] One general aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a patient support system configured to be coupled to a power source of a facility. The patient support system includes a patient support apparatus including one or more powered devices for facilitating patient care. The patient support system also includes a connector system. The connector system includes a wall connector and an apparatus connector operatively coupled to the patient support apparatus and arranged for selective engagement with the wall connector during operation of the connector system in a connected state. The patient support system further includes a power distribution system. The power distribution system includes a power source interface operatively connected to the wall connector and configured to be coupled with thepower source of the facility, and a main interrupt interposed between the power source interface and the wall connector. The main interrupt is configured for operation between a live state and an interrupt state. In the live state, the power source interface is disposed in electrical communication with the wall connector for providing power from the power source across the connector system to the patient support apparatus. In the interrupt state, electrical communication between the power source interface and the wall connector is interrupted. The power distribution system also includes a monitoring circuit. The monitoring circuit includes a reference signal generator configured to provide an oscillating reference signal to the wall connector, and a monitoring interface arranged to receive a return reference signal from the apparatus connector during operation in the connected state. The patient support system further includes a controller in communication with the main interrupt and the monitoring circuit. The controller is configured to operate the main interrupt in the interrupt state in response to the connector system moving out of the connected state. The controller is also configured to execute an initialization routine in response to the connector system entering the connected state to evaluate the quality of the connection between the wall connector and the apparatus connector. The initialization routine includes comparing the oscillating reference signal provided by the reference signal generator with the return reference signal received by the monitoring interface, and changing operation of the main interrupt from the interrupt state to the live state to provide power from the power source across the connector system to the patient support apparatus in response to the comparison satisfying a predetermined condition.

[0005] Another general aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a power distribution system for electrically coupling a power source to an apparatus connector of a patient support apparatus in a connected state. The power distribution system includes a power source interface configured to be coupled with the power source, a wall connector operatively coupled to the power source interface and arranged for selective engagement with the apparatus connector of the patient support apparatus during operation of the apparatus connector is in the connected state, and a main interrupt interposed between the power source interface and the wall connector. The main interrupt is configured for operation between a live state and an interrupt state. In the live state, the power source interface is disposed in electrical communication with the wall connector for providing power from the power source to the apparatus connector. In the interrupt state, electrical communication between the power source interface and the wall connector is interrupted. The power distribution system also includes a monitoring circuit. The monitoring circuit includes a reference signal generator configured to provide an oscillating reference signal to the wall connector, and a monitoring interfacearranged to receive a return reference signal from the apparatus connector during operation in the connected state. The power distribution system further includes a controller in communication with the main interrupt and the monitoring circuit. The controller is configured to operate the main interrupt in the interrupt state in response to the apparatus connector moving out of the connected state. The controller is also configured to execute an initialization routine in response to the apparatus connector entering the connected state to evaluate the quality of the connection between the wall connector and the apparatus connector. The initialization routine includes comparing the oscillating reference signal provided by the reference signal generator with the return reference signal received by the monitoring interface, and changing operation of the main interrupt from the interrupt state to the live state to provide power from the power source across the wall connector in response to the comparison satisfying a predetermined condition.

[0006] An additional general aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a patient support apparatus configured to be electrically coupled with a wall connector for receiving power from a power source of a facility in a connected state. The patient support apparatus includes a support structure and one or more powered devices for facilitating patient care. The support stucture includes a base arranged for movement about a floor surface, and a litter operatively attached to the base and defining a patient support surface for supporting a patient. The patient support apparatus also includes an apparatus connector arranged for selective engagement with the wall connector in the connected state to receive power from the power source to energize the one or more powered devices. The apparatus connector includes an apparatus connector interface arranged for selective engagement with a wall connector interface of the wall connector in the connected state to receive power from the power source of the facility and an oscillating reference signal. The apparatus connector also includes a return interface in communication with the apparatus connector interface and arranged for selective engagement with a monitoring interface of the wall connector in the connected state for providing a return reference signal to the monitoring interface of the wall connector.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings.

[0008] Figure 1 is perspective view of a patient support system according to the present disclosure including a power distribution system, a connector system, and a patient support apparatus, with the patient support system illustrated in the environment of a healthcare facility.

[0009] Figure 2 is a schematic representation of the patient support system of Figure 1.

[0010] Figure 3B is another schematic side view of the patient support apparatus of Figure 3A, shown with a first side rail arranged in an intermediate position, and shown with a second side rail arranged in the raised position.

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

[0012] Figure 3C is another schematic side view of the patient support apparatus of Figures 3A-3B, shown with the first side rail arranged in a lowered position.

[0013] Figure 4A is another schematic side view of the patient support apparatus of Figures 3A-3C, shown with two of the side rails removed for illustrative purpose, and with the lift mechanism supporting the litter in a raised configuration.

[0014] Figure 4B is another schematic side view of the patient support apparatus of Figure 4A, shown with the lift mechanism supporting the litter in a lowered configuration.

[0015] Figure 5 is another schematic side view of the patient support apparatus of Figure 4B, shown with the patient support deck having a back section arranged in a fowler’s position with the second side rail coupled to the back section.

[0016] Figure 6 is another schematic side view of the patient support apparatus of Figure 5, shown with the lift mechanism supporting the litter in an inclined configuration.

[0017] Figure ? is a perspective view of the apparatus interface and the facility interface of Figure 1.

[0018] Figure 8 is another perspective view of the apparatus interface and the facility interface of Figure 7, shown with the apparatus interface spaced from and disposed in keyed alignment with the facility interface along an axis.

[0019] Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of the apparatus interface and the facility interface of Figure 8, the apparatus interface shown including an apparatus terminal, and the facility interface shown including a face and an interface terminal.

[0020] Figure 10 is another exploded perspective view of the apparatus interface and the facility interface of Figure 9.

[0021] Figure 11 is an enlarged plan view of the apparatus interface and the facility interface of Figures 8-10 taken facing towards a back side of the apparatus interface arranged spaced from and in keyed alignment with the facility interface.

[0022] Figure 12A is sectional view of the facility interface and the apparatus interface taken along line 12-12 in Figure 11, shown with the facility interface spaced from the apparatus interface.

[0023] Figure 12B is another sectional view of the facility interface and the apparatus interface of Figure 12A, shown with the facility interface having moved into initial engagement with the apparatus interface but with the interface terminal still spaced from the apparatus terminal.

[0024] Figure 12C is another sectional view of the facility interface and the apparatus interface of Figures 12A and 12B, shown with the facility interface releasably coupled to the apparatus interface in a connected state, and shown with the interface terminal in abutment with the apparatus terminal.

[0025] Figure 13 is a perspective view of another version of the apparatus interface and the facility interface of the system of Figure 1, shown positioned adjacent to a holder for supporting the facility interface.

[0026] Figure 14A is a perspective view of another version of the facility interface of Figure 13, shown having spray ports adjacent to interface terminals.

[0027] Figure 14B is another perspective view of the facility interface of Figure 14A, shown with a spray dispenser having a stem disposed within one of the spray ports of the facility interface.

[0028] Figure 15 is an enlarged, front-side plan view of the facility interface of Figures 14A-14B.

[0029] Figure 16 is a partial sectional view of the facility interface of Figures 14A-15 taken along indicia 16-16 in Figure 15.

[0030] Figure 17 is a perspective view of another version of the apparatus interface and the facility interface of Figure 13, the apparatus interface shown having carriers supporting apparatus terminals.

[0031] Figure 18 is a partial exploded perspective view of the apparatus interface of Figure 17.

[0032] Figure 19 is an enlarged, front-side plan view of the apparatus interface of Figures 17-18.

[0033] Figure 20A is a sectional view of the apparatus interface of Figures 17-19 taken along line 20-20 in Figure 19.

[0034] Figure 20B is another sectional view of the apparatus interface of Figure 20A, shown with the facility interface of Figure 17 spaced from the apparatus interface.

[0035] Figure 20C is another sectional view of the apparatus interface and the facility interface of Figure 20B, shown with the facility interface having moved into initial engagement with the apparatus interface, and shown with an interface terminal abutting the apparatus terminal supported by the carrier.

[0036] Figure 20D is another sectional view of the apparatus interface and the facility interface of Figure 20C, shown with facility interface having moved further into engagement with the apparatus interface, and shown with the carrier having rotated the apparatus terminal relative to the interface terminal while remaining in abutment with the interface terminal.

[0037] Figure 20E is another sectional view of the apparatus interface and the facility interface of Figure 20D, shown with the facility interface releasably coupled to the apparatus interface in a connected state, and shown with the carrier having further rotated the apparatus terminal relative to the interface terminal while remaining in abutment with the interface terminal.

[0038] Figure 21 is a perspective view of another version of the apparatus interface and the facility interface of Figure 13, the facility interface shown having swipe apertures defined adjacent to interface terminals.

[0039] Figure 22 is an enlarged, front-side plan view of the apparatus interface of Figure 21.

[0040] Figure 23 A is a sectional view of the apparatus interface of Figures 21-22 taken along line 23-23 in Figure 22.

[0041] Figure 23B is another sectional view of the apparatus interface of Figure 23A, shown with the facility interface of Figure 21 spaced from and tilted relative to the apparatus interface.

[0042] Figure 23C is another sectional view of the apparatus interface and the facility interface of Figure 23B, shown with the facility interface having moved into initial engagement with the apparatus interface while still tilted.

[0043] Figure 23D is another sectional view of the apparatus interface and the facility interface of Figure 23C, shown with facility interface having moved further into engagement with the apparatus interface and tilted towards alignment with the apparatus interface, and shown with the apparatus terminal disposed within the swipe aperture of the facility interface and spaced from the interface terminal.

[0044] Figure 23E is another sectional view of the apparatus interface and the facility interface of Figure 23D, shown with the facility interface releasably coupled to the apparatusinterface in a connected state, and shown with the apparatus terminal extending through the swipe aperture and into abutment with the interface terminal.

[0045] Figure 24A is a schematic representation of the patient support system according to the present disclosure, shown with the connector system in a connected state.

[0046] Figure 24B is a schematic representation of the patient support system according to the present disclosure, shown with the connector system in a disconnected state.

[0047] Figure 25 is a flowchart illustrating the steps of an initialization routine according to the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 26A is a chart illustrating an exemplary oscillating reference signal according to the present disclosure.

[0049] Figure 26B illustrates an example of a comparison of the oscillating reference signal of Figure 26A with the resulting return reference signal to determine a voltage difference between the oscillating reference signal and the return reference signal.

[0050] Figure 26C illustrates an example of a comparison of the oscillating reference signal of Figure 26A with the resulting return reference signal to determine a phase difference between the oscillating reference signal and the return reference signal.

[0051] Figure 27 is a schematic representation of another configuration of the patient support system, with the power distribution system including a comparison circuit in communication with controller for comparing the one or more parameters of the oscillating reference signal with the return reference signal.

[0052] Figure 28 is a schematic representation of another configuration of the patient support system, with the power distribution system including one or more load resistors for applying load to at least partially condition the return reference signal for comparison with the oscillating reference signal.

[0053] Figure 29 is a schematic representation of another configuration of the patient support system, with the comparison circuit including a voltage detection circuit and a phase detection circuit.

[0054] Figure 30A is a schematic representation of another configuration of the patient support system, with the power distribution system including one or more interrupters in a connected state for coupling the reference signal generator and the comparison circuit to the connector system during operation of the main interrupt in the interrupt state.

[0055] Figure 30B is a schematic representation of the patient support system of Figure 30A, with the one or more interrupters in a disconnected state for disconnecting / isolating themonitoring circuit and the comparison circuit from the power source interface during operation of the main interrupt in the live state.

[0056] Figure 31 is a schematic representation of another configuration of the patient support system, with the wall connector, the apparatus connector, and the monitoring interface each including a terminal arranged for selective engagement with a corresponding terminal in the connected state.

[0057] Figure 32 is a schematic representation of another configuration of the patient support system, with the wall connector, the apparatus connector, and the monitoring interface each including a plurality of terminals arranged for selective engagement with a corresponding terminal in the connected state.

[0058] Figure 33 is a schematic representation of another configuration of the patient support system, with the power distribution system including a return detection circuit for operating the main interrupt in the interrupt state in response to an absence of power detected at the monitoring interface.

[0059] Figure 34 is a perspective view of one configuration of connector system including the wall connector and the apparatus connector each having a plurality of terminals arranged for selective engagement in the connected state.

[0060] Figure 35 is a schematic representation of another configuration of the patient support system, with the wall connector and the apparatus connector, and the monitoring interface each including one or more data terminals arranged for transmitting data across the connector system.

[0061] Figure 36 is a schematic representation of another configuration of the patient support system, further including a temperature sensor and / or a fault interrupt.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] Referring to the drawings, wherein like numerals indicate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, a patient support system 94 including a power distribution system 96, a connector system 98, and a patient support apparatus 100 is shown in Figure 1 in the environment of a facility F. The patient support apparatus 100 is configured to support a patient in a heath care setting, such as within a facility F realized as a hospital or another setting for treating patients. The patient support apparatus 100 illustrated throughout the drawings is realized as a hospital bed. In other versions, however, the patient support apparatus 100 may be a stretcher, a cot, a table, a wheelchair, a chair, or a similar apparatus utilized in the care of a patient.

[0063] The patient support apparatus 100 includes a support structure 102 which provides support for the patient. In the representative version illustrated herein, the support structure 102 generally comprises a base 104 and a litter 106. Here, the litter 106 includes an intermediate frame 108 and a patient support deck 110 spaced above the base 104. As is described in greater detail below, a lift mechanism 112 is interposed between the base 104 and the intermediate frame 108 to facilitate moving the litter 106 relative to the base 104 between a plurality of vertical configurations / poses, including without limitation one or more raised configurations, lowered configurations, and / or inclined configurations such as a Trendelenburg configuration.

[0064] 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 upon which the patient is supported. More specifically, in the representative version of the patient support apparatus 100 illustrated herein, the patient support deck 110 has four deck sections 114 which cooperate to define the patient support surface 116: a back section 118, a seat section 120, a leg section 122, and a foot section 124 (see Figures 3A-6). In the representative version illustrated herein, the seat section 120 is fixed to the intermediate frame 108 and is not arranged for movement relative thereto. However, it will be appreciated that the seat section 120 could be movable relative to other deck sections 114 in some versions. Conversely, the back section 118 and the leg section 122 are arranged for independent movement relative to each other and to the intermediate frame 108, as described in greater detail below, and the foot section 124 is arranged to move partially concurrently with the leg section 122.

[0065] Other configurations are contemplated, and it will be appreciated that different arrangements of deck sections 114 are contemplated by the present disclosure. By way of nonlimiting example, the patient support deck 110 could be configured without a discrete seat section 120 in some versions. Furthermore, while the representative version of the litter 106 illustrated herein employs the intermediate frame 108 to support the deck sections 114 of the patient support deck 110 for movement relative to the base 104 via the lift mechanism 112, it will be appreciated that various types of litters 106, with or without discrete intermediate frames 108 and / or with a differently-configured lift mechanism 112, are contemplated by the present disclosure. In some versions, the patient support deck 110 and its associated deck sections 114 may be similar to as is described in U.S. Patent No. 11,116,680 entitled "PatientSupport Apparatus for Controlling Patient Ingress and Egress,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0066] A mattress 126 may be disposed on the patient support deck 110 during use. The mattress 126 comprises or otherwise defines the patient support surface 116 upon which the patient is supported, but it will be appreciated that its shape is defined based on the arrangement of the patient support deck 110. Here too, it will be appreciated that the patient support deck 110 itself would define the patient support surface 116 during operation of some versions of the patient support apparatus 100 without the mattress 126. Put differently, the mattress 126 may be omitted in certain versions, such that the patient can rest directly on the patient support surface 116 defined by the deck sections 114 of the patient support deck 110. The base 104, the litter 106, the intermediate frame 108, and the patient support deck 110 each have a head end and a foot end corresponding to designated placement of the patient’s head and feet on the patient support apparatus 100. It will be appreciated that the specific configuration of the support structure 102 may take on any known or conventional design and is not limited to that specifically illustrated and described herein. Other configurations are contemplated.

[0067] Side rails 128, 130, 132, 134 are coupled to the support structure 102 via mounts and are supported for movement relative to the intermediate frame 108 (and, thus, relative to the base 104). A first side rail 128 is positioned at a right head end of the litter 106. A second side rail 130 is positioned at a left head end of litter 106. A third side rail 132 is positioned at a right foot end of the litter 106. A fourth side rail 134 is positioned at a left foot end of the litter 106. One or more of the side rails may be coupled to one or mounts via linkages and may be movable between a plurality of side rail positions, including a raised position (e.g., see first side rail 128 in Figure 3A), in which they block ingress and egress into and out of the patient support apparatus 100, one or more intermediate positions (e.g., see first side rail 128 in Figure 3B), and a lowered position (e.g., see first side rail 128 in Figure 3C) in which they are not an obstacle to such ingress and egress across the periphery of the patient support surface 116. It will be appreciated that there may be fewer side rails for certain versions, such as where the patient support apparatus 100 is realized as a stretcher or a cot. Similarly, it will be appreciated that side rails may be attached to any suitable component or structure of the patient support apparatus 100, and that their respective mount and / or linkage may be configured in various ways. In some versions, the side rails 128, 130, 132, 134 or other portions of the patient support apparatus 100 may be similar to as is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US20210338504A1 entitled “Side Rail Assembly For A Patient Support Apparatus,” thedisclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Other configurations are contemplated. In the representative version illustrated herein, the first and second side rails 128, 130 are coupled to the back section 118 of the patient support deck 110 and move concurrently therewith.

[0068] As shown in Figure 1, a headboard 136 and a footboard 138 are coupled to respective mounts of the intermediate frame 108 of the litter 106. However, it will be appreciated that the headboard 136 and / or footboard 138 may be coupled to other locations on the patient support apparatus 100, such as the base 104, or may be omitted in certain versions. One or more caregiver interfaces 140, such as handles, are shown in Figure 1 as being integrated into the first and second side rails 128, 130 to facilitate movement of the patient support apparatus 100 over floor surfaces. Additional caregiver interfaces 140 may be integrated into the headboard 136, the footboard 138, and / or other components of the patient support apparatus 100, such as the third and / or fourth side rails 132, 134, the intermediate frame 108, and the like. The caregiver interfaces 140 are shaped so as to be grasped by a caregiver as a way to position or otherwise manipulate the patient support apparatus 100 for movement. It will be appreciated that the caregiver interfaces 140 could be integrated with or operatively attached to any suitable portion of the patient support apparatus 100 or may be omitted in certain versions.

[0069] Wheels 142 are coupled to the base 104 to facilitate transportation over floor surfaces. The wheels 142 are arranged in each of four quadrants of the base 104, adjacent to corners of the base 104. In the version shown in Figure 1, the wheels 142 are caster wheels that are able to rotate and swivel relative to the support structure 102 during transport. Here, each of the wheels 142 forms part of a caster assembly 144 mounted to the base 104. In the illustrated version, the patient support apparatus 100 includes a brake assembly 153 operatively attached to one or more of the wheels 142 and being operable between a braked state to inhibit movement of the base 104 about floor surfaces, and an unbraked state to permit movement of the base 104 about floor surfaces. In some versions, the wheels 142 and brake assembly 153 may be similar to as is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 10,806,653 entitled “ Patient Transport Apparatus With Electro-Mechanical Braking System,” and / or International Patent Application Publication No. WO2021138176A1 entitled “Patient Transport Apparatus With ElectroMechanical Braking System,” the disclosures of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Other configurations are contemplated.

[0070] It should be understood that various configurations of the caster assemblies 144 are contemplated. In addition, in some versions, the wheels 142 are not caster wheels.Moreover, it will be appreciated that the wheels 142 may be non-steerable, steerable, nonpowered, powered, or combinations thereof. While the representative version of the patient support apparatus 100 illustrated herein employs four wheels 142, additional wheels are also contemplated. For example, the patient support apparatus 100 may comprise four nonpowered, non-steerable wheels, along with one or more additional powered wheels. In some cases, the patient support apparatus may not include any wheels. In other versions, one or more auxiliary wheels (powered or non-powered), which are movable between stowed positions and deployed positions, may be coupled to the support structure 102. In some cases, when auxiliary wheels are located between caster assemblies 144 and contact the floor surface in the deployed position, they cause two of the caster assemblies 144 to be lifted off the floor surface, thereby shortening a wheelbase of the patient support apparatus 100. A fifth wheel may also be arranged substantially in a center of the base 104.

[0071] As noted above, the patient support apparatus 100 employs the lift mechanism 112 to lift and lower the litter 106 relative to the base 104 which, in turn, moves the intermediate frame 108 together with the patient support deck 110 between various vertical configurations, such as to the raised vertical configuration 106A depicted in Figures 3A-4A, the lowered vertical configuration 106B depicted in Figures 4B-5, or to any desired vertical configuration therebetween including various inclined configurations 106A such as is depicted in Figure 6. To this end, the lift mechanism 112 may include a head end lift member 146 and a foot end lift member 148 which are each arranged to facilitate movement of the litter 106 with respect to the base 104 using one or more lift actuators 150. The lift actuators 150 may be realized as linear actuators, rotary actuators, or other types of actuators, and may be electrically operated and / or may be hydraulic. It is contemplated that, in some configurations, only one lift member and one associated lift actuator may be employed, e.g., to raise only one end of the litter 106 (see Figure 6), or one central lift actuator to raise and lower the litter 106. The construction of the lift mechanism 112, the head end lift member 146, and / or the foot end lift member 148 may take on any known or conventional design, and is not limited to that specifically illustrated. By way of non-limiting example, the lift mechanism 112 could comprise a “scissor” linkage arranged between the base 104 and the litter 106 with one or more actuators configured to facilitate vertical movement of the patient support deck 110. In some versions, the lift mechanism 112 may be similar to as is described in U.S. Patent No. 10,172,753 entitled “Patient Support Lift Assembly f the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Other configurations are contemplated.

[0072] As noted above, the patient support deck 110 is operatively attached to the intermediate frame 108 (e.g., as depicted in Figures 1 and 3A-6), with one or more of the deck sections 114 arranged for movement between a first section position 114A (see Figures 3A- 4B) and a second section position 114B (see Figures 5-6). To this end, one or more deck actuators 152 are interposed between the deck section 114 and the intermediate frame 108 to move the deck section 114. In the representative versions illustrated herein, the deck actuator 152 is realized as a linear actuator disposed in force-translating relationship between the deck section 114 and the intermediate frame 108. More specifically, one deck actuator 152 is provided between the intermediate frame 108 and the back section 118, and another deck actuator 152 is provided between the intermediate frame 108 and the leg section 122, and each of the deck actuators 152 is arranged for independent movement to position the respective deck sections 114 to adjust the shape of the patient support surface 116 between a plurality of patient support configurations (for example, a flat configuration, a raised fowler configuration, a seated configuration, etc.). Here, the deck actuator 152 coupled to the back section 118 is configured to move the back section 118 between the first section position 114A (see Figures 3A-4B), the second section position 114B (see Figures 5-6), as well as to additional section positions between the first and second section positions 114A, 114B and / or to section positions beyond the second section position 114B.

[0073] Those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the patient support apparatus 100 could employ any suitable number of deck actuators 152, of any suitable type or configuration sufficient to effect selective movement of one or more of the deck sections 114 relative to the litter 106 or other components of the support structure 102. By way of nonlimiting example, the deck actuator 152 could be a linear actuator or one or more rotary actuators driven electronically and / or hydraulically, and / or controlled or driven in any suitable way. Moreover, the deck actuator 152 could be mounted, secured, coupled, or otherwise operatively attached to the intermediate frame 108 and to the deck section 114, either directly or indirectly, in any suitable way. In addition, one or more of the deck actuators 152 could be omitted for certain applications.

[0074] Referring to Figure 2, the patient support apparatus 100 may include one or more powered devices PD and employs a control system, generally indicated at 154, to effect operation of various functions of the patient support apparatus 100 by powering, driving, communicating with, or otherwise controlling various types of powered device(s) PD as described in greater detail below. To this end, and as is shown schematically in Figure 2, the control system 154 generally includes an apparatus controller 156 disposed in communicationwith one or more user interfaces 158 adapted for use by the patient and / or the caregiver to facilitate operation of one or more functions of the patient support apparatus 100. The apparatus controller 156 may also be directly or indirectly disposed in communication with the powered device(s) PD, including without limitation the lift actuators 150, the deck actuators 152, one or more sensors S of a sensor system 160, one or more indicators 162 (e.g., additional user interfaces 158, lights, screens, displays, speakers, microphones, and the like), a communication interface for communicating with various remote devices (e.g., smartphones, external systems, and the like), one or more power converters 164, a drive system 178, and / or one or more additional powered devices 166 such as devices to adjust the length and / or width of the litter 106, devices to turn the patient, devices to facilitate ingress and / or egress, devices to facilitate actuation of electric brakes, devices to monitor patient movement and / or bed exit, and additional components of the control system 154 of the patient support apparatus 100 as described below.

[0075] It will be appreciated that the apparatus controller 156 can be configured or otherwise arranged in a number of different ways. The apparatus controller 156 may comprise one or more microprocessors for processing instructions or for processing algorithms stored in memory to control operation of the various functions of the patient support apparatus 100, as described in greater detail below. Additionally or alternatively, the apparatus controller 156 may comprise one or more microcontrollers, field programmable gate arrays, systems on a chip, discrete circuitry, and / or other suitable hardware, software, or firmware that is capable of carrying out the various functions and operations described herein. The apparatus controller 156 may be carried on-board the patient support apparatus 100, such as on the base 104, the litter 106, or may be remotely located. The apparatus controller 156 may comprise one or more subcontrollers configured to control certain functions of the patient support apparatus 100. The apparatus controller 156 may communicate with the various components of patient support system 94 and / or the patient support apparatus 100 via wired or wireless connections.

[0076] In the representative version illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the patient support apparatus 100 (and / or another portion of the system 94) comprises a plurality of user interfaces 158 which may be accessible by the patient, the caregiver, or by both the caregiver and the patient. Each user interface 158 of the patient support apparatus 100 generally comprises an input device 170 configured to generate an input signal in response to activation by a user which, in turn, is communicated to the apparatus controller 156. The apparatus controller 156, in turn, is responsive to the input signal and can control or otherwise carry out one or more functions of the patient support apparatus 100 and / or the patient support system 94 in responseto receiving the input signal. Put differently, the apparatus controller 156 is configured to perform a function in response to receiving the input from the input device 170. By way of non-limiting example, the input device 170 could be realized as a “lift bed” button, activation of which causes the apparatus controller 156 to drive the lift actuators 150 to move the intermediate frame 108 of the litter 106 from the maximum lowered configuration vertically away from the base 104 towards the raised configuration.

[0077] In some versions, one or more of the user interfaces 158 may also employ an output device 172, such as a screen, one or more audible and / or visual indicators (e.g., speakers, beepers, light emitting diodes LEDs, and the like), to communicate information to the user (e.g., to the caregiver). In some versions, the user interface 158 may be realized as a touchscreen interface that serves as both the input device 170 and the output device 172. In some versions, the apparatus controller 156 may be configured to facilitate navigation of visual content of the user interface 158 (e.g., realized as a graphical user interface GUI) in response to receiving the input signal from the input device 170. Thus, it will be appreciated that the user interface 158 could be configured in a number of different ways sufficient to generate the input signal. Moreover, it will be appreciated that the user interfaces 158 could be of a number of different styles, shapes, configurations, and the like. By way of non-limiting example, one or more of the user interfaces 158 may comprise buttons, indicators, screens, graphical user interfaces, and the like. In some versions, the patient support apparatus 100 may employ a single user interface 158 or multiple user interfaces 158 of the same or different types. In some versions, other components of the patient support system 94 may include one or more user interfaces 158 for controlling or otherwise interacting with the patient support apparatus 100 and / or other aspects of the patient support system 94. By way of non-limiting example, one or more user interfaces 158 may be realized as a part of the power distribution system 96 (e.g., on a housing 301 as shown in Figure 1), as a part of one or more portable electronic devices 168, and / or as a part of various other components. Other configurations are contemplated.

[0078] In some versions, one or more portions of the sensor system 160 may be coupled to the support structure 102 to generate data representing load acting on the support structure 102. To this end, as is depicted schematically in Figure 2, the sensor system 160 may include a plurality of load cells 174 interposed in force- translating relation between the intermediate frame 108 and the base 104 to measure load acting on the support structure 102 (not shown in detail). Here, each load cell 174 generates a respective output signal representing the amount of weight sensed thereby. In some versions, a total of four load cells 174 are interposed between the intermediate frame 108 and the lift members 146, 148 of the lift mechanism 112to measure load (e.g., patient weight) acting about the patient support surface 116 as well as on other portions of the intermediate frame 108 or components coupled thereto. It will be appreciated that other arrangements of load cells 174 are contemplated by the present disclosure, and different quantities of load cells 174 arranged in various ways may be employed by the sensor system 160. By way of non-limiting example, load cells could be interposed between the base 104 and the lift mechanism 112 (not shown). In some versions, aspects of the patient support apparatus 100, including the arrangement of load cells 174 about support structures 102, may be similar to as is described in International Patent Application No. PCT / US2021 / 034393 entitled “Lift Systems And Load Cells For Patient Support Apparatus',” International Patent Application No. PCT / US2020 / 061966 entitled “Patient Support Apparatus With Load Cell Assemblies ” and / or U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US20210030611A1 entitled “Patient Support Apparatus With Load Cell Assemblies ” the disclosures of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Other configurations are contemplated.

[0079] In some versions, the sensor system 160 may include one or more different types of sensors S for determining changes in the position, state, or operation of various portions of the patient support apparatus 100, and or changes in patient position, status, condition, and the like. In some versions, the patient support apparatus 100 may include one or more sensors S disposed in communication with the apparatus controller 156 to: determine motion of the patient support apparatus 100, to determine operation of the brake assembly 153 (e.g., between braked and unbraked states), to determine an arrangement of the intermediate frame 108 relative to the base 104, to determine movement of one or more deck sections 114, to determine movement of the side rails 128, 130, 132, 134 and / or the headboard 136 or the footboard 138, to determine movement of the mattress 126, and / or to determine changes in the position or status of the patient. It will be appreciated that various sensors S of a number of different types, styles, and / or configurations may be employed, including without limitation limit switches, touch sensors, potentiometers, encoders, pressure sensors, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, optical sensors (e.g., cameras), or other type of sensors responsive to changes in position, contact, orientation, state, and the like. In some versions, the functionality afforded by sensors S could be realized as code operated by the apparatus controller 156 or other portions of the patient support system 94. Other configurations are contemplated.

[0080] Referring to Figures 3A-6, in some versions, the patient support apparatus 100 includes an auxiliary wheel assembly 176 coupled to the base 104. The auxiliary wheel assembly 176 forms part of a drive system 178 configured to influence motion of the patientsupport apparatus 100 during transportation over floor surfaces. To this end, the drive system 178 generally includes a drive member 180 and a motor 182 coupled to the drive member 180 to operate the drive member 180 at various speeds. In the illustrated versions, the drive member 180 is realized as an auxiliary wheel 142A. However, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the drive system 178 could be configured in other ways, with various types of drive members 180 other than those configured as auxiliary wheels 142A of auxiliary wheel assemblies 176. By way of non-limiting example, the drive member 180 could be realized by various types and / or arrangements of one or more belts, treads, wheels, tires, and the like, which may be arranged in various ways about the patient support apparatus 100 and may be deployable, retractable, or similarly movable, or may be generally engaged with the floor surface (e.g., realized as powered wheels at one or more comers of the base 104). Other configurations are contemplated. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the auxiliary wheel drive system 178 described and illustrated herein represents one type of drive system 178 contemplated by the present disclosure, and the auxiliary wheel 142A described and illustrated herein represents one type of drive member 180 contemplated by the present disclosure.

[0081] The auxiliary wheel assembly 176 employs an auxiliary wheel actuator 184 operatively coupled to the auxiliary wheel 142A and operable to move the auxiliary wheel 142A between one or more deployed positions engaging the floor surface, and one or more retracted positions spaced away from and out of contact with the floor surface. The auxiliary wheel 142A influences motion of the patient support apparatus 100 during transportation over the floor surface when the auxiliary wheel 142A is in a deployed position. In some versions, the auxiliary wheel assembly 176 comprises an additional auxiliary wheel movable with the auxiliary wheel via the auxiliary wheel actuator 184. It will be appreciated that operation of the drive system 178 may be affected in various ways, including such as based on signals from the sensor system 160, one or more sensors S, and / or one or more user interfaces 158. In some versions, aspects of the drive system 178 may be similar to as is disclosed in one or more of: U.S. Patent No. 11,484,447 entitled, “Patient Transport Apparatus With Controlled Auxiliary Wheel Deployment U.S. Patent No. 11,806,296 entitled, “Patient Transport Apparatus With Controlled Auxiliary Wheel Speed? and / or U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US20210196533A1 entitled, “Patient Transport Apparatus With Auxiliary Wheel Control Systems? the disclosures of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Other configurations are contemplated.

[0082] As noted above, the apparatus controller 156 is depicted schematically in Figure 2 and has been omitted from certain drawings for the purposes of clarity and consistency. Itwill be appreciated that the apparatus controller 156 and / or the control system 154 can be configured or otherwise arranged in a number of different ways to facilitate operation of the patient support apparatus 100. The apparatus controller 156 may have one or more microprocessors for processing instructions or for processing an algorithm stored in memory to control operation of powered devices PD, generation or interpretation of signals and / or data (e.g., data from sensors S, the sensor system 160, and the like), communication with the user interfaces 158 and / or remote devices (e.g., portable electronic devices 168), performance of one or more functions of the powered devices PD, and the like. Additionally or alternatively, the apparatus controller 156 may comprise one or more microcontrollers, field programmable gate arrays, systems on a chip, discrete circuitry, and / or other suitable hardware, software, or firmware that is capable of carrying out the various functions and operations described herein. The apparatus controller 156 may be carried on-board the patient support apparatus 100, such as on the base 104 or the litter 106, or may be remotely located. The apparatus controller 156 may comprise one or more sub-controllers configured to control powered devices PD or one or more sub-controllers for each powered device PD. The apparatus controller 156 and / or other parts of the control system 154 may communicate with the powered devices PD (e.g., the actuators 150, 152, the user interfaces 158, and the like) via wired and / or wireless communication.

[0083] As will be appreciated from the subsequent description below, power used to operate the powered devices PD, as well as the apparatus controller 156 itself, can be provided by an external power source 157 and / or by an energy storage device 159 (also referred to herein as a “battery”) operatively coupled to the support structure 102. To this end, the patient support system 94 includes a power distribution system 96 for electrically coupling the patient support apparatus 100 with a power source 157 provided by the facility F. Exemplary configurations of the power distribution system 96 will be described in further detail below. To facilitate electrically coupling the power distribution system 96 to the patient support apparatus 100, the patient support system 94 further includes a connector system 98 defined by an apparatus interface 200 and a facility interface 300. The apparatus interface 200 includes an apparatus connector 202 and is coupled to the patient support apparatus 100, and the facility interface 300 includes a wall connector 302 operatively coupled to the power distribution system 96 via the facility F. As is described in greater detail below, the apparatus connector 202 of the apparatus interface 200 and the wall connector 302 of the facility interface 300 are configured for releasable engagement together in a connected state CS to facilitate wired electrical communication of power P and / or data D between the patient support apparatus 100 and thepower distribution system 96 (as well as to other portions of the F, in some versions). Here, the apparatus interface 200 is disposed in electrical communication with various components of the control system 154, including for example the apparatus controller 156 (and / or various powered devices PD or other components in communication with the apparatus controller 156), the energy storage device 159, and / or a power converter / charger 164; and the facility interface 300 is disposed in electrical communication with various components of the facility F, including for example the external power source 157, a power distribution system controller 186, and / or other types of external systems 188 (e.g., nurse call systems, servers, networks, communication systems, and the like). In some versions, aspects of the connector system 98 and / or other components or systems described herein may be configured similar to as is described in International Patent Application No. PCT / US2023 / 080840 filed on November 22, 2023 and entitled “Systems For Electrically Connecting Patient Support Apparatuses To Facilities,” and / or as is described in International Patent Application No. PCT / US2024 / 025384 filed on April 19, 2024 and entitled “Systems For Providing Power To A Patient Support Apparatus, ” the disclosures of which are each hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Other configurations are contemplated. Each of the components of the connector system 98 introduced above will be described in greater detail below.

[0084] With reference to Figure 2, as noted above, the facility F may be a hospital or another area for facilitating patient care. The facility F provides or otherwise defines the external power source 157, which may be realized such as by an Alternating Current voltage source (e.g., 110-220 VAC at 50-60 Hz) that is supplied to the facility F by a utility company. The facility F may provide a source of power to a plurality of outlets OUT located within the facility (e.g., as may be disposed in communication wit. However, it will be appreciated that other configurations are contemplated, and the external power source 157 could be configured or otherwise defined as power supplied from any suitable source (e.g., via a utility company, via a generator, and the like) in the form of Alternating Current or Direct Current power at any suitable voltage, frequency, and / or current for charging the energy storage device 159 of the patient support apparatus 100.

[0085] In the illustrated version, the power converter 164 is coupled to the support structure 102 of the patient support apparatus 100 and is employed to, among other things, facilitate charging the energy storage device 159 via power from the external power source 157 (the power converter 164 may be interchangeably referred to as “the charger 164”). To this end, in some versions, the external power source 157 may provide Alternating Current power (e.g., 110-220 VAC at 50-60 Hz) as an input to the power converter 164 which, in turn, mayoutput Direct Current power (e.g., 12-60 VDC) that is used to charge the energy storage device 159. In some versions, the power converter 164 may also be utilized to generate or otherwise output power at a voltage, current, and / or frequency that can be used to operate powered devices PD when the apparatus interface 200 and the facility interface 300 are engaged in the connected state CS. Put differently, power for powered devices PD may be drawn from the energy storage device 159 and / or from the power converter 164 in some versions, such as to simultaneously charge the energy storage device 159 and facilitate operation of powered devices PD without depleting charge from the energy storage device 159 during operation in the connected state CS. In some versions, the power converter 164 may also be configured to provide Alternating Current power to an auxiliary outlet carried onboard of the patient support apparatus 100 (e.g., acting as a power inverter; not shown). Other configurations are contemplated. While the power converter 164 is shown as a part of the patient support apparatus 100 in the illustrated version, it will be appreciated that the power converter 164 could be realized as a part of the facility F in some versions, such as to provide Direct Current voltage power P to the patient support apparatus 100. Similarly, it is contemplated that multiple power converters 164 may be utilized by the patient support system 94, either as a part of the patient support apparatus 100 and / or the facility F. Other configurations are contemplated.

[0086] As noted above, the connector system 98 may be employed to facilitate the transfer of both power P and data D between the facility F and the patient support apparatus 100. Here, it will be appreciated that various types of data D may be transferred between the facility F and the patient support apparatus 100, according to various communication protocols, standards, and the like. Data D may represent or be associated with various aspects of the facility F, the patient, the patient support apparatus 100, and / or other medical devices, systems, and the like. Other configurations are contemplated. In some versions, data D may be exchanged between the apparatus controller 156 and the power distribution system controller 186 to facilitate operation of the power converter 164, as described in greater detail below. In some versions, data D may be exchanged between the apparatus controller 156 and the power distribution system controller 186 to facilitate communication with the patient via video, audio, and the like. In some versions, the power distribution system controller 186 may facilitate communication with other external systems 188 of the facility F (e.g., nurse call systems, monitoring systems, management systems, other medical devices or equipment, and the like). Other configurations are contemplated.

[0087] In the representative version depicted in Figure 1, in order to facilitate wired electrical communication between the patient support apparatus 100 and the facility F, thefacility interface 300 includes a housing 301 (also referred to herein as a housing), which is coupled to the source of power 157. In the version depicted in Figure 1, the housing 301 is coupled to an outlet OUT via a tether and plug, where the outlet OUT provides power to the housing 301 from the facility F. The facility interface 300 also includes a tether T extending between the facility and an wall connector 302, with the tether T also being connected to the facility F (e.g., wired to the external power source 157 via the housing 301). This configuration allows a caregiver or another user to move the facility interface 300 relative to the patient support apparatus 100 and bring it into and out of engagement with the apparatus interface 200 in the connected state CS as described in greater detail below. In the illustrated version, the apparatus interface 200 is depicted as being operatively attached to the intermediate frame 108 of the litter 106 adjacent to the head end. However, it will be appreciated that the apparatus interface 200 could be operatively attached to, or formed integrally with, any suitable portion of the patient support apparatus 100. Furthermore, it is contemplated that multiple apparatus interfaces 200 could be employed, such as to enable connection to one apparatus interface 200 arranged at the head end and / or to a different apparatus interface 200 arranged at the foot end (not shown). Other configurations are contemplated. It will be appreciated that the tether T may have any suitable length sufficient to facilitate releasable engagement of the connector system 98 in the connected state CS, or may be omitted in some versions.

[0088] While the tether T is shown coupled to the facility interface 300 to facilitate positioning relative to the apparatus interface 200 in the illustrated version, this arrangement could be different in other versions, such as with the tether coupled to the apparatus interface 200 and to another portion of the patient support apparatus 100 (not shown). In some versions, multiple tethers T could be employed, such as with one tether T coupled to the facility interface 300 and to another part of the facility F, and with another tether T coupled to the apparatus interface 200 and to another portion of the patient support apparatus 100 (not shown). Other configurations are contemplated.

[0089] As is described in greater detail below, the connector system 98 affords significant advantages to caregivers by enabling power P and / or data D to be exchanged between the facility F and the patient support apparatus 100 reliably and quickly based, among other things, on how the apparatus interface 200 and the facility interface 300 engage together in the connected state CS, and also can be quickly moved out of the connected state CS in a “breakaway” fashion in response to external contact or applied force. It will be appreciated that a breakaway of the connector system 98 depicted in Figure 1 would result in the tether T and the facility interface 300 disconnecting from the apparatus interface 200, thereby allowingthe patient support apparatus 100 to be moved away from the tether T and the wall connector 302. Here too, other configurations are contemplated, including without limitation the schematically-depicted version depicted in Figure 2, which illustrates another apparatus interface 200’ and another facility interface 300’ to represent multiple breakaways (e.g., one on each end of the tether T), and / or to represent breakaway at the facility F rather than breakaway at the patient support apparatus 100.

[0090] Referring now, generally, to Figures 7-12C, as noted above, the apparatus interface 200 and the facility interface 300 are configured for releasable engagement together in a connected state CS to facilitate wired electrical communication of power P and / or data D between the patient support apparatus 100 and the facility F. The apparatus interface 200 generally includes an apparatus connector 202, an apparatus magnetic element 204, and an apparatus connector terminal 206. The apparatus connector 202 is operatively attached to the support structure 102 of the patient support apparatus 100 and supports the apparatus magnetic element 204 and the apparatus connector terminal 206 as described in greater detail below. The apparatus connector terminal 206 is disposed in electrical communication with the control system 154 of the patient support apparatus 100, such as via a physical electrical connection to the apparatus controller 156, the energy storage device 159, and / or the power converter 164. The facility interface 300 is configured for providing selective connection to the external power source 157 to charge the energy storage device 159 of the patient support apparatus 100, and generally includes an wall connector 302, an interface magnetic element 304, an interface terminal 306 that is disposed in electrical communication with the external power source 157, and a face 308 (also referred to as the “interface connector face 308”). The tether T extending between the housing 301 and the wall connector 302 electrically couples the interface terminal 306 with power provided by the facility F.

[0091] The facility interface 300 is operable with the interface terminal 306 arranged relative to the face 308 for abutment with the apparatus connector terminal 206 (see Figure 12C) in response to magnetic attraction occurring between the apparatus magnetic element 204 and the interface magnetic element 304 to releasably couple the apparatus interface 200 and the facility interface 300 in the connected state CS with the apparatus connector terminal 206 abutting the interface terminal 306 to facilitate charging the energy storage device 159 with power P from the external power source 157. In some versions, the facility interface 300 or other aspects of the systems and components described herein may be configured similar to as is described in International Patent Application No. PCT / US2023 / 080840 filed on November 22, 2023 and entitled “Systems For Electrically Connecting Patient Support Apparatuses ToFacilities ” and / or as is described in International Patent Application No. PCT / US2024 / 025384 filed on April 19, 2024 and entitled “Systems For Providing Power To A Patient Support Apparatus,” the disclosures of which are each hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Other configurations are contemplated.

[0092] Figures 9-10 depict various components of the apparatus interface 200 and the facility interface 300. The apparatus interface 200 is shown having an apparatus housing 208, an apparatus circuit board 210 supporting a plurality of apparatus connector terminals 206, and a plurality of auxiliary apparatus magnetic elements 212; and the facility interface 300 is shown having an interface housing 310, an interface circuit board 312 supporting a plurality of interface terminals 306, and a cover 322. Each of the components of the apparatus interface 200 and the facility interface 300 introduced above will be described in greater detail below.

[0093] The apparatus housing 208 supports the apparatus connector terminal 206. More specifically, in the illustrated version, the apparatus housing 208 defines an apparatus pocket 214 in which an apparatus board mount 216 is disposed. The apparatus board mount 216 is shaped and arranged to support the apparatus circuit board 210 (e.g., via one or more fasteners; not shown) which, in turn, supports a plurality of apparatus connector terminals 206 relative to the apparatus housing 208. In the illustrated version, the apparatus circuit board 210 supports a plurality of apparatus power terminals 206P for transmitting power P, and a plurality of apparatus data terminals 206D for transmitting data D. In the illustrated version, three apparatus power terminals 206P and three interface power terminals 306P (see Figure 7) are provided to facilitate transferring power P in the connected state CS, such as to transfer Alternating Current power P across three wires (e.g., neutral, hot, and ground, or other wires; not shown). However, it will be appreciated that different quantities of apparatus power terminals 206P and / or interface power terminals 306P may be utilized in some versions (e.g., more than three or fewer than three). In the illustrated version, four apparatus data terminals 206D and four interface data terminals 306D (see Figure 7) are provided to facilitate transferring data D in the connected state CS, such as to transfer data D across four wires (e.g., power, ground, transmit, receive, or other wires; not shown). Here too, it will be appreciated that different quantities of apparatus data terminals 206D and / or interface data terminals 306D may be utilized in some versions (e.g., more than four or fewer than four).

[0094] In the illustrated version, the apparatus connector terminals 206 coupled to the apparatus circuit board 210 such as by soldering. The apparatus connector terminals 206 each define respective contact pads 218 which are shaped and arranged to abut corresponding contact faces 324 of the interface terminals 306 in the connected state CS (see Figure 7). Insome versions, one or more apparatus connector terminals 206 and / or interface terminals 306 may be realized as “pogo pins” or may otherwise facilitate at least partial resilient deflection or movement to help ensure contact during abutment in the connected state CS (see Figures 12C and 13D; abutment shown in exaggerated detail for illustrative purposes). However, it will be appreciated that other configurations are contemplated, and the apparatus connector terminals 206 and / or interface terminals 306 could be of other types, styles, and / or arrangements sufficient to transmit power P and / or data D in the connected state CS.

[0095] As is best shown in Figure 9, in the illustrated version, the apparatus housing 208 of the apparatus connector 202 defines an apparatus connector face 220 and a plurality of apparatus face apertures 222 formed in the apparatus connector face 220. Here, the plurality of apparatus connector terminals 206 are supported in the apparatus face apertures 222 with their respective contact pads 218 arranged so as to be substantially flush with the apparatus connector face 220. It will be appreciated that this configuration substantially improves cleanability and inhibits the buildup of contaminants along the apparatus connector face 220, where contaminants might otherwise collect along the apparatus connector face 220. Here too in this version, the apparatus housing 208 defines a flange 224 and a plug 226 extending from the flange 224 and merging into the apparatus connector face 220 with a keyed profile KA (see Figure 7) that is generally smooth and helps promote cleanability, whereby the apparatus connector face 220 and / or the plug 226 can be readily wiped down if exposed to contaminants. The flange 224 of the apparatus housing 208 defines flange mounts 228 to facilitate attachment to the support structure 102, such as with fasteners (not shown). However, as noted above, one or more portions of the apparatus connector 202 may be formed integrally with other components of the patient support apparatus 100 in some versions, such as where the plug 226 may be formed as a part of a barrier such as the headboard 136. Other configurations are contemplated.

[0096] In the illustrated version, the apparatus housing 208 supports one or more apparatus magnetic elements 204. To this end, and as is best depicted in Figure 10, the apparatus housing 208 defines a plurality of apparatus magnet mounts 230 arranged in the apparatus pocket 214 and shaped to receive one of the apparatus magnetic elements 204. In the illustrated version, three apparatus magnetic elements 204 and three interface magnetic elements 304 are provided. Here, the apparatus magnetic elements 204 and the interface magnetic elements 304 are configured and arranged with respect to each other so as to facilitate operation in the connected state CS based on magnetic attraction, such as by orientating the apparatus magnetic elements 204 and the interface magnetic elements 304 with opposingmagnetic poles facing towards each other in the connected state CS in versions where the apparatus magnetic element 204 and the interface magnetic element 304 are each realized as magnets. In some versions, the apparatus magnetic element 204 could be a magnet, and interface magnetic element 304 could be manufactured from a material which can be attracted magnetically (e.g., steel). Other configurations are contemplated. While the representative version illustrated throughout the drawings employs three apparatus magnetic elements 204 and three interface magnetic elements 304, it will be appreciated that other quantities of magnetic elements (e.g., more than three or fewer than three) could be employed by the apparatus interface 200 and / or by the facility interface 300, and the magnetic elements could be of various types, styles, configurations and may be disposed in different orientations and / or arrangements.

[0097] As noted above, magnetic attraction occurring between the apparatus magnetic element 204 and the interface magnetic element 304 retains the connector system 98 in the connected state CS. Put differently, the apparatus interface 200 and the facility interface 300 may be configured with one or more apparatus magnetic elements 204 and one or more interface magnetic elements 304 which are sized or otherwise configured to maintain abutment between the apparatus connector terminal 206 and the interface terminal 306 in absence of external forces acting on the wall connector 302 and / or acting between the wall connector 302 and the apparatus connector 202. In some versions, magnetic attraction occurring between one or more auxiliary apparatus magnetic elements and one or more auxiliary interface magnetic elements may at least partially retain the connector system 98 in the connected state CS. Here too, it will be appreciated that auxiliary apparatus magnetic elements and / or auxiliary interface magnetic elements may be employed to increase the amount of applied external force required to move the connector system 98 out of the connected state CS and into a disconnected state DS, and / or may be employed to increase resistance to movement out of the connected state CS in response to the application of external force in specific directions, such as to resist disconnection when a specific amount of external force is applied along the axis A but to promote disconnection when that same amount of external force is applied transverse to the axis A. Other configurations are contemplated, and it will be appreciated that the auxiliary apparatus magnetic elements and the auxiliary interface magnetic elements may be omitted in some versions.

[0098] With continued reference to Figures 9-10, in the illustrated version, the facility interface 300 employs the interface circuit board 312 to support a plurality of interface data terminals 306D for transmitting data D and power terminals 306P for transmitting power P.The interface housing 310 defines an interface pocket 326 in which an interface board mount 328 is disposed. The interface board mount 328 is shaped and arranged to support the interface circuit board 312 (e.g., via one or more fasteners; not shown) which, in turn, supports a plurality of interface terminals 306 relative to the interface housing 310. The interface housing 310 of the wall connector 302 defines the face 308 in the illustrated version which is arranged to abut the apparatus connector face 220 in the connected state CS (see Figure 12C). The face 308 of the interface housing 310 also defines a plurality of face apertures 332 for the respective plurality of interface terminals 306 in the illustrated version. More specifically, a total of three power face apertures 332P are provided for the three interface power terminals 306P, and a total of four data face apertures 332D are provided for the four interface data terminals 306D in the illustrated version. Furthermore, in some versions, the facility interface 300 and / or the apparatus interface 200 could employ a carriage (not shown) to support one or more terminals for movement relative to a shield, such as where the power P being transferred is relatively high voltage Direct Current power P with apparatus power terminals coupled to a relatively high voltage energy storage device 159. Other configurations are contemplated.

[0099] In the illustrated version, the interface housing 310 also includes a lip 334 which extends away from the face 308 to a lip edge 336 to define a socket 338 shaped to receive the plug 226 of the apparatus interface 200 in the connected state CS (see Figure 12C). Here, the socket 338 is arranged to receive the plug 226 in keyed alignment to couple the facility interface 300 and the apparatus interface 200 in the connected state CS. More specifically, in the illustrated version, the socket 338 of the facility interface 300 has a keyed profile KI which is complimentary to the keyed profile KA of the plug 226 of the apparatus interface 200 (see Figure 7). Here, the keyed profiles KA, KI are shaped to releasably engage each other in keyed alignment along the axis A. Here, the apparatus connector terminals 206 and the interface terminals 306 are arranged relative to each of the respective keyed profiles KA, KI to facilitate alignment between the apparatus connector terminals 206 and the interface terminals 306 in response to engagement in the connected state CS occurring in keyed alignment along the axis A (see Figure 8). Here too, the complimentary keyed profiles KA, KI of the apparatus connector 202 and the wall connector 302 are configured to inhibit releasable engagement with each other during an absence of keyed alignment occurring along the axis A. The lip 334 encompasses the face 308 and is arranged to abut the plug 226 to prevent coupling in the connected state CS during an absence of keyed alignment between the plug 226 and the socket 338. In the illustrated version, the lip edge 336 is spaced from the face 308 at a lip distance, and the magnetic attraction between the apparatus magnetic element 204 and the interfacemagnetic element 304 occurs in response to the interface magnetic element 304 being within a threshold distance of the apparatus magnetic element 204, with the lip distance being larger than the threshold distance. This configuration helps facilitate initial positioning of the wall connector 302 relative to the apparatus connector 20 in that the interface magnetic element 304 and the apparatus magnetic element 204 stay spaced away from each other at a distance that is larger than the threshold distance when misaligned contact occurs between the lip 334 and portions of the plug 226 (e.g., the apparatus connector face 220).

[0100] As is best depicted in Figure 9, in the illustrated version, the interface housing 310 defines a shell flange 344 adjacent to the interface pocket 326 which is configured to engage the cover 322 of the wall connector 302. In the illustrated version, the cover 322 has a generally hollow, shell-like profile that is shaped to, among other things, route wires from the tether T to the interface terminals 306, facilitate ergonomic handling of the facility interface 300, and generally inhibit ingress of contaminants towards internal components of the facility interface 300. The cover 322 has a cover flange 346 that is shaped to engage the shell flange 344 to attach the cover 322 to the interface housing 310, such as by a “snap fit” engagement. However, other configurations are contemplated, and the cover 322 could be operatively attached to the interface housing in a number of different ways, including such as by adhesives, ultrasonic welding, and / or other forms of mechanical connections. While the cover 322 may be formed as a separate component from the interface housing 310 to, among other things, facilitate assembly of the facility interface 300 during manufacturing, it is contemplated that the wall connector 302 could be configured in other ways, such as with all or a portion of the cover 322 being formed integrally with the interface housing 310. Similarly, while the illustrated version of the facility interface 300 depicts the face 308 and other portions of the wall connector 302 as being formed integrally with the interface housing 310, it will be appreciated that these and other components could be formed separately and operatively attached to the interface housing 310, either directly or indirectly in a number of different ways.

[0101] As noted above, another version of the apparatus interface and the facility interface of the patient support system is depicted in Figure 13. As will be appreciated from the subsequent description below, the version depicted in Figure 13 is similar to the version described above in connection with Figures 1-12C. Accordingly, the components and structural features of the version depicted in Figure 13 that are the same as or that otherwise correspond to the version depicted in Figures 1-12C are provided with the same reference numerals. While the specific differences between these versions will be described in detail below, for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and brevity, only certain structural features andcomponents common between the versions will be described and depicted in detail in the drawings in connection with the version of Figure 13. Unless otherwise indicated, the description of the version depicted in Figures 1-12C may be incorporated by reference with respect to the version depicted in Figure 13 without limitation.

[0102] Referring now to Figure 13, a version of the apparatus interface 200 and the facility interface 300 of the connector system 98 of the patient support system 94 is shown. In this version, the facility interface 300 is disposed in electrical communication with the external power source 157 (also referred to herein as “source of alternating current power 157” in some versions). The wall connector 302 of the facility interface 300 supports, among other things, the interface magnetic element 304 (not shown) and a plurality of interface terminals 306, including a plurality of interface power terminals 306P. Here in this version, two of the interface power terminals 306P (e.g., hot and neutral) are recessed within the face apertures 332 below the interface connector face 308 so as to afford increased touch safety, while another interface power terminal 306P (e.g., ground) is realized as a contact pad and is configured similarly to the interface data terminals 306D but is arranged slightly proud of the interface data terminals 306D. The apparatus connector 202 of the apparatus interface 200 has a complimentary configuration, except that two of the apparatus power terminals 206P (e.g., hot and neutral) are realized as pins which protrude so as to be able to pass into the face apertures and reach the recessed interface power terminals 306P.

[0103] In this version, the power distribution system controller 186 is disposed in electrical communication with the plurality of interface power terminals 306P and the source of alternating current power 157, such as via the power distribution system controller 186 described in greater detail below. Here, the power distribution system controller 186 is operable between an active mode MA and an interrupted mode MI. In the active mode MA, the interface power terminals 306P are electrically coupled to the source of alternating current power 157. In the interrupted mode MI, the power terminals 306P are electrically decoupled from the source of alternating current power 157. The apparatus connector 202 of the apparatus interface 200 supports, among other things, the apparatus magnetic element 204 (not shown), and a plurality of apparatus connector terminals 206.

[0104] In comparison with the version depicted in Figures 1-12C, the version of the connector system 98 depicted in Figure 13 employs a different strategy to ensure safe handling of the components of the apparatus interface 200 and the facility interface 300 while still limiting external contact with terminals that may become disposed in communication with the external power source 157. As noted above and as is described in greater detail below, in thisversion the power distribution system controller 186 does not direct the source of alternating current power 157 to the interface power terminals 306P until it has determined that the facility interface 300 and the apparatus interface 200 are coupled together in the connected state CS. While this determination can be made in a number of different ways as described in greater detail below, it will be appreciated that this configuration helps promote safe handling of the wall connector 302.

[0105] The power distribution system controller 186 may be configured in some versions to determine changes in operation between the connected state CS and the disconnected state DS in order to, among other things, control how power is or is not directed to one or more of the interface terminals 306. In some versions, the power distribution system controller 186 or some other component of the patient support system 94 may determine to completely disconnect the external power source 157 from the facility interface 300, such as by operating in the interrupted mode MI to prevent the source of alternating current power 157 from directing power to one or more of the interface power terminals 306. However, other configurations are contemplated, and power may be controlled in other ways, such as by varying how much power is provided based such as on determination of the connected state CS and / or based on one or more sensors as described in greater detail below.

[0106] In some versions, the connector system 98 may include one or more state sensors ST (see Figure 2; not shown in detail) to determine changes between the connected state CS and the disconnected state DS. By way of illustrative example, the state sensor ST may be realized as a momentary switch is supported by one (or both) of the apparatus connector 202 and the wall connector 302 to sense contact with the other of the apparatus connector 202 and the wall connector 302 in the connected state CS, such as to sense abutment with the apparatus connector face 220 or with the interface connector face 308. However, it will be appreciated that the state sensor ST could be configured in a number of different ways to determine changes in operation between the connected state CS and the disconnected state DS, including without limitation various arrangements of switches, buttons, potentiometers, encoders, hall-effect sensors, and the like. Other configurations are contemplated. In some versions, the state sensor ST may be disposed in electrical communication with the power distribution system controller 186 or other portions of the facility F (e.g., to facilitate operation of the external power source 157), and / or in electrical communication with the apparatus controller 156 or other portions of the control system 154 (e.g., to facilitate operation of the power converter 164). Other configurations are contemplated. In some versions, the state sensor ST may be arranged so as to be triggered after one or more electrical connections aremade via the connector system 98 in the connected state CS, and may be the first component to disconnect when moving out of the connected state CS. Here too, other configurations are contemplated, including where the various terminals of the connector system 98 are arranged so as to have certain terminals engage or otherwise abut each other before other terminals.

[0107] It will be appreciated that the state sensor ST could be supported on or otherwise realized as a part of the facility interface 300 and / or the apparatus interface 200, and that multiple state sensors ST of different types could be employed. In some versions, the state sensor ST could be configured to sense changes in operation between the connected state CS and the disconnected state DS via contactless interaction between an interface sensing element El and an apparatus sensing element EA (see Figure 2; not shown in detail), realized such as with one or more sensors and one or more emitters (not shown). In some versions, the state sensor ST could be defined based on an electrical path which is closed during operation in the connected state CS (e.g., via one or more apparatus data terminals 206D and one or more interface data terminals 306D). In some versions, signals from the state sensor ST could be utilized to facilitate changes in operation of one or more components or systems of the facility F (e.g., initializing or changing delivery of power P) and / or of the patient support apparatus 100 (e.g., changing operation of powered devices PD). Other configurations are contemplated.

[0108] In some versions, the wall connector 302 supports the interface sensing element El, and the apparatus connector 202 supports the apparatus sensing element EA (see Figure 2; not shown in detail), and interaction between the interface sensing element El and the apparatus sensing element EA can be used to determine operation in the connected state CS . For example, one or more of the interface sensing element El and the apparatus sensing element EA could be configured similarly to the state sensor ST described above. In some versions, the interface sensing element El is disposed in electrical communication with the power distribution system controller 186 which, in turn, is configured to determine operation in the connected state CS based on releasable attachment of the wall connector 302 with the apparatus connector 202 placing the interface sensing element El in a predetermined element arrangement AR relative to the apparatus sensing element EA (e.g., in the connected state CS). In some versions, the interface sensing element El may be further defined as one or more of the interface data terminals 306D, and the apparatus sensing element EA may be further defined as one or more of the apparatus data terminals 206D arranged to abut the one or more interface data terminals 306D in the connected state CS to defined the predetermined element arrangement AR. For example, in some versions the apparatus interface 200 may include first and second apparatus data terminals 206D1, 206D2, and the facility interface 300 may include first and secondinterface data terminals 306D1, 306D2 which are arranged to respectively engage the first and second apparatus data terminals 206D1, 206D2 for electrical communication in the connected state CS. To this end, the first and second apparatus data terminals 206D1, 206D2 may be disposed in electrical communication with each other (e.g., via a wire, a trace on a circuit board, and the like; not shown) such that operation in the connected state CS places the first and second interface data terminals 306D1, 306D2 in electrical communication with each other but operation in the disconnected state DS places the first interface data terminals 306D1 out of electrical communication with the second interface data terminal 306D2. Here, the power distribution system controller 186 may be configured to transmit a sensing signal, such as a relatively low voltage signal (e.g., a 3.3 VDC or 5 VDC signal) to the first interface data terminal 306D1 and to look for the same sensing signal being received at the second interface data terminal 306D2 to determine operation in the connected state CS. However, as noted above, the power distribution system controller 186 could determine operation in the connected state CS in a number of different ways, and other configurations are contemplated.

[0109] In the version depicted in Figure 13, as well as in other versions described below, the shapes and configurations of the apparatus housing 208 and the interface housing 310 are different from the version described above in connection with Figures 1-12C. More specifically, in the version depicted in Figure 13, the interface housing 310 of the wall connector 302 of the facility interface 300 is shaped similarly to the plug 226 of the apparatus connector 202 of the version depicted in Figure 7. Here too in the version depicted in Figure 13, the apparatus housing 208 of the apparatus connector 202 of the apparatus interface 200 is shaped similarly to the interface housing 310 of the wall connector 302 of the version depicted in Figure 7, and includes the lip 334 defining the socket 338 described above.

[0110] With continued reference to Figure 13, here too in this version of the connector system 98, the facility interface 300 is likewise configured to releasably engage the apparatus interface 200 in the connected state CS, with electrical communication between the apparatus connector terminals 206 and the interface terminals 306 maintained by magnetic attraction between the apparatus magnetic element 204 and the interface magnetic element 304 as noted above. In this version, the system 94 also includes a holder connector 400 which, like the apparatus interface 200, is configured to be releasably engaged by the facility interface 300. In some versions, the holder connector 400 serves as a storage location for the facility interface 300 during periods where it is not utilized in the connected state CS with the apparatus interface 200. Here, for example, the holder connector 400 may be mounted to and / or adjacent to thehousing 301 of the facility F (or to another component of the system 94), such as is depicted in Figure 1.

[0111] The version of the holder connector 400 depicted in Figure 13 is shaped similarly to the apparatus connector 202, and may similarly employ one or more magnetic elements (not shown) to releasably secure the wall connector 302 of the facility interface 300 thereto. However, other configurations are contemplated, and the holder connector 400 could be configured so as to releasably secure the wall connector 302 in other ways. In some versions, the holder connector 400 includes one or more wiping elements 402 spaced and arranged similarly to how the apparatus connector terminals 206 are spaced and arranged. More specifically, the wiping elements 402 are spaced and arranged to contact the interface terminals 306 in order to wipe, clean, or otherwise at least partially contact the interface terminals 306 as the wall connector 302 of the facility interface 300 is releasably attached to the holder connector 400. In the representative version illustrated in Figure 13, the wiping elements 402 have generally cylindrical profiles, are manufactured from a resiliently flexible material, and are formed integrally with the holder connector 400, such as by over-molding. However, other configurations are contemplated, and it will be appreciated that the wiping elements 402 could have different profiles, shapes, and / or configurations, and may be operatively attached to the holder connector 400 in other ways. In some versions, the wiping elements 402 may be removably attached to the holder connector 400. Those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that wiping, cleaning, or otherwise contacting the interface terminals 306 helps ensure reliably consistent contact with the apparatus connector terminals 206 during operation in the connected state CS by removing contaminants which may accumulate or build up over time and which might otherwise cause poor connection, increased heat and wear, and / or arcing. Thus, each time that the wall connector 302 of the facility interface 300 is place into the holder connector 400 during periods of non- attachment to the apparatus interface 200, the interface terminals 306 are cleaned.

[0112] While the illustrated version depicted in Figure 13 includes matching quantities of wiping elements 402 and interface terminals 306, with each wiping element 402 arranged to clean a respective interface terminal 306, it will be appreciated that other configurations are contemplated, and different quantities and / or configurations of wiping elements 402 may be employed. By way of non-limiting example, wiping elements 402 may be provided for respective engagement with the interface power terminals 306P but not the interface data terminals 306D in some versions. By way of further non-limiting example, one or more wiping elements 402 could be shaped, arranged, or otherwise configured so that a single wipingelement 402 wipes a plurality of interface terminals 306 in some versions. Other configurations are contemplated. In some versions, one or more of the wiping elements 402 may be coated, impregnated, or otherwise configured to accumulate one or more types of cleaning and / or lubricating agents (e.g., dielectric grease). In some versions, a reservoir (not shown) containing a cleaning and / or lubricating agent could be disposed in fluid communication with the wiping element 402 (e.g., coupled to the holder connector 400), such as with one or more wiping elements 402 extending into the reservoir. Other configurations are contemplated.

[0113] As noted above, another version of the facility interface of the patient support system is depicted in Figures 14A-16. As will be appreciated from the subsequent description below, the version depicted in Figures 14A-16 is similar to the version described above in connection with Figure 13. Accordingly, the components and structural features of the version depicted in Figures 14A-16 that are the same as or that otherwise correspond to the version depicted in Figure 13 are provided with the same reference numerals. While the specific differences between these versions will be described in detail below, for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and brevity, only certain structural features and components common between the versions will be described and depicted in detail in the drawings in connection with the version of Figures 14A-16. Unless otherwise indicated, the description of the version depicted in Figure 13 may be incorporated by reference with respect to the version depicted in Figures 14A-16 without limitation.

[0114] Referring now Figures 14A-16, a version of the facility interface 300 of the connector system 98 of the patient support system 94 is shown. In this version, the interface housing 310 of the wall connector 302 is provided with one or more inlet spray ports 404 and one or more outlet spray ports 406. The illustrated version depicts the inlet spray port 404 arranged adjacent to the face aperture 332 of the interface terminal 306, and the outlet spray port 406 disposed on a side of the interface housing 310 and disposed in fluid communication with the inlet spray port 404 via a spray channel 408 formed extending between the inlet spray port 404 and the outlet spray port 406 (see Figure 16). As is depicted in Figure 14B, this configuration allows a user to direct fluid FL (e.g., compressed air, pressurized cleaners, pressurized lubricants, and the like) from a spray dispenser 410 to clean or otherwise treat the interface terminal 306. Here, the spray dispenser 410 generally includes a can 412 of pressurized fluid FL, with a nozzle 414 arranged for user engagement to direct the fluid FL out of a stem 416 coupled to the nozzle 414, whereby the user can position the stem 416 in or adjacent to the inlet spray port 404 to direct the fluid FL at and / or across the interface terminal 306. Here, the fluid FL may be configured to clean or otherwise remove contaminants whichaccumulate at or near the interface terminal 306 and direct them through the spray channel 408 away from the interface terminal 306 and out of the outlet spray port 406. In some versions, the spray channel 408 may be configured so as to facilitate free fluid communication between the inlet spray port 404 and the outlet spray port 406 after cleaning (e.g., where the fluid FL is compressed air). However, in some versions, the spray channel 408 or a reservoir in fluid communication therewith (not shown) may be configured to accumulate lubricating agents such as dielectric grease which are injected into the inlet spray port 404 (or, alternatively, into the outlet spray port 406 or another port). Other configurations are contemplated. In some versions, each interface terminal 306 may be provided with a respective inlet spray port 404, outlet spray port 406, and spray channel 408. However, in some versions only certain interface terminals 306 (e.g., the interface power terminals 306P) may be provided with an inlet spray port 404, outlet spray port 406, and spray channel 408. In some versions, multiple inlet spray ports 404 may be disposed in fluid communication with a common outlet spray port 406 (not shown). Here too, other configurations are contemplated. Furthermore, while the inlet spray port 404, the outlet spray port 406, and the spray channel 408 are illustrated and described above in connection with the wall connector 302 of the facility interface 300, it will be appreciated that the apparatus connector 202 of the apparatus interface 200 could be configured similarly, such as with inlet spray ports 404 disposed adjacent to apparatus connector terminals 206 (not shown).

[0115] As noted above, another version of the apparatus interface and the facility interface of the patient support system is depicted in Figures 17-20E. As will be appreciated from the subsequent description below, the version depicted in Figures 17-20E is similar to the version described above in connection with Figure 13. Accordingly, the components and structural features of the version depicted in Figure Figures 17-20E that are the same as or that otherwise correspond to the version depicted in Figure 13 are provided with the same reference numerals. While the specific differences between these versions will be described in detail below, for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and brevity, only certain structural features and components common between the versions will be described and depicted in detail in the drawings in connection with the version of Figures 17-20E. Unless otherwise indicated, the description of the version depicted in Figure 13 may be incorporated by reference with respect to the version depicted in Figures 17-20E without limitation.

[0116] Referring now to Figures 17-20E, a version of the apparatus interface 200 and the facility interface 300 of the connector system 98 of the patient support system 94 is shown. In this version, the apparatus interface 200 is provided with one or more carriers 418 whichmovably support one or more respective apparatus connector terminals 206. More specifically, in the illustrated version, two of the apparatus power terminals 206P are supported by respective carriers 418 for rotational and translational movement. To this end, and as is best depicted in Figure 18, the apparatus housing 208 includes a guide pocket 420 disposed in the apparatus pocket 214 and configured to support the carrier 418 for movement relative to the apparatus housing 208. The carrier 418 has a carrier body 422 which has a generally cylindrical profile, supports the apparatus connector terminal 206, and may be manufactured from an insulating material in some versions (e.g., plastic). The carrier 418 also includes one or more carrier teeth 424 extending from the carrier body 422 and arranged for threaded engagement with guide threads 426 of the guide pocket 420 to facilitate axial and translational movement of the carrier 418 relative to the apparatus housing 208.

[0117] Figures 20A-20E sequentially depict attachment of the wall connector 302 of the facility interface 300 to the apparatus connector 202 of the apparatus interface 200 in this version to demonstrate the rotational and translational movement of one of the apparatus connector terminals 206 coupled to one of the carriers 418. In the illustrated version, a carrier biasing element 428 (depicted schematically) is provided to urge the carrier 418 and supported apparatus connector terminal 206 into the configuration depicted in Figures 20A-20C, with the apparatus connector terminal 206 extending through the apparatus face aperture 222 formed in the apparatus connector face 220. As the wall connector 302 is brought towards the apparatus connector 202 (compare Figures 20A-20C), initial contact occurs as the apparatus connector terminal 206 comes into abutment with the interface terminal 306 (see Figure 20C). As the wall connector 302 is moved further towards the apparatus connector 202 and into the connected state CS (compare Figures 20C-20E), the apparatus connector terminal 206 remains in abutment with the interface terminal 306 and also rotates relative to the interface terminal 306. More specifically, the carrier 418 supporting the apparatus connector terminal 306 translates and rotates relative to the apparatus housing 208 until the connected state CS is achieved (see Figure 20E). In the illustrated version, the carrier 418 employs a single carrier tooth 424 and cooperates with the guide threads 426 to rotate the apparatus connector terminal 206 approximately 180-degrees from the point at which initial contact occurs between the apparatus connector terminal 206 and the interface terminal 306 (see Figure 20C) to the point where the connected state CS is achieved (see Figure 20E). However, it will be appreciated that other configurations are contemplated, and the threaded engagement between the one or more carrier teeth 424 and the guide threads 426 could be configured to achieve less rotation of the apparatus connector terminal 206 (e.g., approximately 30-degrees) or more rotation ofthe apparatus connector terminal 206 (e.g., approximately 360-degrees). Furthermore, it will be appreciated that relative rotational movement between the apparatus connector terminal 206 and the interface terminal 306 could be achieved in other ways, including without limitation by the use of carriers on one or more interface terminals (not shown).

[0118] It will be appreciated that the relative rotational movement between the apparatus connector terminal 206 and the interface terminal 306, which occurs as the interface terminal 306 pushes the apparatus connector terminal 206 and the carrier 418, creates friction between the apparatus connector terminal 206 and the interface terminal 306 which advantageously loosens any debris or other contaminants which may have accumulated on the apparatus connector terminal and / or the interface terminal 306. This configuration affords significant advantages by helping ensure reliably consistent contact between the interface terminal 306 and the apparatus connector terminal 206 during operation in the connected state CS by removing contaminants which may accumulate or build up over time and which might otherwise cause poor connection, increased heat and wear, and / or arcing.

[0119] As noted above, another version of the apparatus interface and the facility interface of the patient support system is depicted in Figures 21-23E. As will be appreciated from the subsequent description below, the version depicted in Figures 21-23E is similar to the version described above in connection with Figure 13. Accordingly, the components and structural features of the version depicted in Figure Figures 21-23E that are the same as or that otherwise correspond to the version depicted in Figure 13 are provided with the same reference numerals. While the specific differences between these versions will be described in detail below, for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and brevity, only certain structural features and components common between the versions will be described and depicted in detail in the drawings in connection with the version of Figures 21-23E. Unless otherwise indicated, the description of the version depicted in Figure 13 may be incorporated by reference with respect to the version depicted in Figures 21-23E without limitation.

[0120] Referring now to Figures 21-23E, a version of the apparatus interface 200 and the facility interface 300 of the connector system 98 of the patient support system 94 is shown. In this version, the two of the interface power terminals 306P (e.g., hot and neutral) are similarly recessed within the face apertures 332 below the interface connector face 308 so as to afford increased touch safety. However, in this version, swipe apertures 430 are provided adjacent to and in communication with the face apertures 332 (and, in some versions, may define the face apertures 332) of two of the interface power terminals 306P. The swipe apertures 430 are shaped and arranged to receive the apparatus power terminals 206Ptherethrough and to swipe, wipe, clean, or otherwise remove contaminants from the apparatus power terminals 206P as the wall connector 302 of the facility interface 300 is brought into engagement with the apparatus connector 202 of the apparatus interface 200. In the illustrated version, the swipe apertures 430 have generally rectangular profiles which are shaped and arranged to facilitate a tilted approach of the wall connector 302 into engagement with the apparatus connector 202 while still affording touch safe advantages of the recessed interface terminals 306.

[0121] Figures 23A-23E sequentially depict attachment of the wall connector 302 of the facility interface 300 to the apparatus connector 202 of the apparatus interface 200 in this version to demonstrate the tilted approach of the wall connector 302 into engagement with the apparatus connector 202. Here, instead of inserting the wall connector 302 directly along the axis A described previously, the wall connector 302 is tilted as depicted in Figure 23B and brought into initial engagement with the apparatus connector 202 as depicted in Figure 23C. In some versions, the apparatus housing 208 may be shaped to promote or otherwise accommodate certain predetermined tilted approach configurations, for example so as to require a tilted approach at initial engagement as depicted in Figure 23C.

[0122] As the wall connector 302 is brought further into engagement with the apparatus connector 202, the apparatus connector terminals 206 pass into the swipe apertures 430 of the wall connector 302 as depicted in Figure 23D. This advantageously removes any contaminants present on sides of the apparatus connector terminal 206 prior to any contact occurring between the apparatus connector terminal 206 and the corresponding interface terminal 306, which occurs as the connected state CS is achieved as depicted in Figure 23E. It will be appreciated that swipe apertures 430 may be provided for different quantities and / or types of apparatus connector terminals 206 in some versions. Moreover, it will be appreciated that the swipe apertures 430 could be configured to permit other types of tilted approaches (e.g., sideways rather than vertical). In some versions, swipe apertures 430 may instead or additionally be provided on the apparatus connector 202 to clean, wipe, or otherwise remove contaminants from the interface terminals. Other configurations are contemplated.

[0123] Figures 24 A and 24B are schematic representations of the patient support system 94 according to the present disclosure. As shown in Figures 24 A and 24B, the power distribution system 96 includes a power source interface 500. The power source interface 500 is configured to be coupled to the power source 157 of the facility F to receive power therefrom. For example, as best shown in Figure 1, the power source 157 of the facility F may be realized as an outlet OUT, and the power distribution system 96 may be coupled to the outlet OUT viaa cable and plug. Other configurations of coupling the power source interface 500 to the power source 157 of the facility F to receive power therefrom are contemplated. As described in further detail below, the power source interface 500 is also operatively coupled to the wall connector 302 to provide power from the power source 157 of the facility F across the connector system 98 to the patient support apparatus 100. As shown in Figure 1, the power distribution system 96 is depicted as including the tether T extending between the wall connector 320 and the housing 301 which, in some versions, may house some or all of the components of the power distribution system 96. This configuration allows a caregiver or another user to move the wall connector 302 relative to the patient support apparatus 100 and bring it into and out of engagement with the apparatus connector 202 in the connected state CS. However, it will be appreciated that the wall connector 302 could be operatively attached to, or formed integrally with, any suitable portion of the power distribution system 96.

[0124] Figure 24A schematically depicts the connector system 98 in the connected state CS such that the wall connector 302 and the apparatus connector 202 are electrically coupled, thereby electrically coupling the patient support apparatus 100 and the power distribution system 96. Figure 24B schematically depicts the connector system 98 in the disconnected state DS (i.e., where the wall connector 302 and the apparatus connector 202 are spaced from each other) such that the wall connector 302 and the apparatus connector 202 are not electrically coupled.

[0125] With continued reference to Figures 24A and 24B, the power distribution system 96 also includes a main interrupt 502 interposed between the power source interface 500 and the wall connector 302. The main interrupt 502 is configured for operation between a live state SL and an interrupt state SI. In the live state SL, the main interrupt 502 is configured to dispose the power source interface 500 in electrical communication with the wall connector 302 for providing power from the power source 157 of the facility F across the connector system 98 to the patient support apparatus 100. In the interrupt state SI, the main interrupt 502 is configured to interrupt electrical communication between the power source interface 500 and the wall connector 302. It should be appreciated that the hardware implementation of the main interrupt 502 is not particularly limited for the purposes of this disclosure. For example, the main interrupt 502 may be implemented as one or more switches, one or more relays, one or more transistors, etc. Other configurations are contemplated. Additional details regarding operation of the main interrupt 502 during operation of the patient support system 94 are described in further detail below.

[0126] Still referring to Figures 24A and 24B, the power distribution system 96 further includes a monitoring circuit 504. The monitoring circuit 504 includes a reference signal generator 506 configured to provide an oscillating reference signal (described in further detail below) to the wall connector 302 and a monitoring interface 508 arranged to receive a return reference signal from the apparatus connector 202 during operation of the connector system 98 in the connected state CS (as shown in Figure 24A). Stated differently, the reference signal generator 506 is configured to “inject” the oscillating reference signal into the wall connector 302. From here, one or more parameters of the oscillating reference signal may be subject to change / degradation as the oscillating reference signal is transmitted across the connector system 98 to the apparatus connector 202 (e.g., due to debris accumulating on at least one of the wall connector 302 and the apparatus connector 202, the wall connector 302 and the apparatus connector 202 not being properly aligned, and / or other situations causing unwanted resistance / impedance across the connector system 98). As used herein, the signal carried by the apparatus connector 202 after the oscillating reference signal is transmitted across the connector system 98 is referred to as the “return reference signal”.

[0127] As noted above, the power distribution system 96 includes the power distribution system controller 186, which is in communication with at least the main interrupt 502 and the monitoring circuit 504. In some examples, as described in further detail below, the power distribution system controller 186 may also be configured to be in communication with the apparatus controller 156 (e.g., either wirelessly or across the connector system 98) for communication of data D therebetween. It will be appreciated that the power distribution system controller 186 can be configured or otherwise arranged in a number of different ways. The power distribution system controller 186 may comprise one or more microprocessors for processing instructions or for processing algorithms stored in memory to control operation of the various functions of the power distribution system 96, as described herein. Additionally or alternatively, the power distribution system controller 186 may comprise one or more microcontrollers, field programmable gate arrays, systems on a chip, discrete circuitry, and / or other suitable hardware, software, or firmware that is capable of carrying out the various functions and operations of the power distribution system 96 described herein. The power distribution system controller 186 may be carried on-board the power distribution system 96, such as within the housing 301 of the power distribution system 96, or may be remotely located. The power distribution system controller 186 may comprise one or more subcontrollers configured to control certain functions of the power distribution system 96. The powerdistribution system controller 186 may communicate with the various components of power distribution system 96 via wired or wireless connections.

[0128] The power distribution system controller 186 is configured to operate the main interrupt 502 in the interrupt state SI in response to the connector system 98 moving out of the connected state CS (shown in Figure 24B). In other words, power distribution system controller 186 is configured to operate the main interrupt 502 in the interrupt state SI in response to the connector system 98 entering the disconnected state DS such that the wall connector 302 is not energized by the power source 157 of the facility. The power distribution system controller 186 may also be configured to execute an initialization routine in response to the connector system 98 entering the connected state CS to evaluate the quality of the connection between the wall connector 302 and the apparatus connector 202. The quality of the connection between the wall connector 302 and the apparatus connector 202 may be degraded for various reasons such as debris accumulating on at least one of the wall connector 302 and the apparatus connector 202, the wall connector 302 and the apparatus connector 202 not being properly aligned, and / or other situations causing unwanted resistance / impedance across the connector system 98. Accordingly, the power distribution system controller 186 may execute the initialization routine (e.g., before changing operation of the main interrupt 502 to the live state SL) to ensure the quality of the connection between the wall connector 302 and the apparatus connector 202 is sufficient to facilitate the transfer for power across the connector system 98 before changing operation of the main interrupt 502 to the live state SL. In some versions, in the event that the initialization routine determines that the quality of the connection between the wall connector 302 and the apparatus connector 202 is insufficient to facilitate the transfer for power across the connector system 98, the power distribution system controller 186 may activate a local and / or remote alarm, alert, indicator, message, and the like which may be communicated to various other components or systems. By way of non-limiting example, messages, alerts, and the like may be generated on user interfaces 158 (e.g., on the user interface 158 coupled to the housing 301 depicted in Figure 1).

[0129] As noted above, in some versions, the connector system 98 may also include the holder connector 400 operatively coupled to the housing 301 (or another component) to serve as a storage location for the wall connector 302 during periods where the wall connector 302 is not coupled to the apparatus connector 202. Furthermore, in some versions, the holder connector 400 may be arranged for selective engagement with the wall connector 302 during operation of the connector system 98 in a test state TS to electrically couple the power distribution system 96 to a holder test circuit 510 (see Figure 1 ; not shown in detail) configuredto emulate operation of the apparatus connector 202 for the purposes of evaluating the quality of the connection between the wall connector 302 and the holder connector 400 prior to attachment of the wall connector 302 to the apparatus connector 202.

[0130] The power distribution system controller 186 may execute the initialization routine to ensure that the quality of the connection between the wall connector 302 and the holder connector 400 is sufficient to facilitate the transfer for power across the connector system 98. Here, the power distribution system controller 186 may be configured to determine (e.g., via one or more sensors) that the wall connector 302 is secured to the holder connector 400 and not to the apparatus connector 202. Based on this determination, instead of changing operation of the main interrupt 502 to the live state SL, the power distribution system controller 186 may instead activate a local and / or indicator to communicate that wall connector 302 is ready for subsequent connection to the apparatus connector 202 based on the connection quality check with the holder connector 400. Similar to the scenarios described herein regarding evaluating the quality of the connection between the wall connector 302 and the apparatus connector 202, in the event that the initialization routine determines that the quality of the connection between the wall connector 302 and the holder connector 400 is insufficient to facilitate the transfer for power across the connector system 98, the power distribution system controller 186 may activate a local and / or remote alarm, alert, indicator, message, and the like which may be communicated to various other components or systems. By way of non-limiting example, messages, alerts, and the like may be generated on user interfaces 158 (e.g., on the user interface 158 coupled to the housing 301 depicted in Figure 1).

[0131] Referring to Figure 25, the initialization routine includes a first step SI of comparing the oscillating reference signal provided by the reference signal generator 506 with the return reference signal received by the monitoring interface 508, and a second step S2 of changing operation of the main interrupt 502 from the interrupt state SI to the live state SL to provide power from the power source 157 across the connector system 98 to the patient support apparatus 100 in response to the comparison satisfying a predetermined condition. In some examples, the predetermined condition is satisfied where a comparison of one or more parameters of the oscillating reference signal and the return reference signal are below a threshold difference for a predetermined period of time. In some examples, the predetermined period of time is a sufficient time delay to ensure stability of the connection between the wall connector 302 and the apparatus connector 202. For example, the predetermined period of time may be at least 10 milliseconds, at least 25 milliseconds, at least 50 milliseconds, at least 100 milliseconds, at least 250 milliseconds, at least 500 milliseconds, at least 1 second, at least 2seconds, at least 5 seconds, etc. In other examples, the predetermined period of time may be instantaneous (i.e., approaching zero seconds).

[0132] It is contemplated that the one or more parameters of the oscillating reference signal and the return reference signal which are compared evaluate the quality of the connection between the wall connector 302 and the apparatus connector 202 may be any parameter or combination of parameters that are suitable to ascertain the quality of the connection between the wall connector 302 and the apparatus connector 202. For example, the one or more parameters may be indicative of resistance / impedance across the connector system 98. In one example, the oscillating reference signal defines a reference voltage VREF and the return reference signal defines a return voltage VRET- In these examples, the one or more parameters which are compared to evaluate the quality of the connection between the wall connector 302 and the apparatus connector 202 may include a voltage difference VDIF between the reference voltage VREF and return voltage VRET (i.e., VDIF = VREF - VRET). Here, the predetermined condition may be satisfied where the voltage difference VDIF is below a threshold voltage difference. Stated differently, if the voltage difference VDIF exceeds threshold voltage difference, the quality of the connection between the wall connector 302 and the apparatus connector 202 may not be sufficient to facilitate the transfer for power across the connector system 98, and, accordingly, the power distribution system controller 186 may inhibit the main interrupt 502 from operating the live state SL. The threshold voltage difference may be less than 10 volts, less than 5 volts, less than 2.5 volts, less than 1 volt, less than 500 millivolts, less than 250 millivolts, less than 100 millivolts, less than 50 millivolts, less than 25 millivolts, less than 10 millivolts, etc. In some examples, the predetermined condition is satisfied where the voltage difference VDIF is below the threshold voltage difference for a predetermined period of time, as described above.

[0133] In other examples, the oscillating reference signal defines a reference phase OREF and the return reference signal defines a return phase <DRET- In these examples, the one or more parameters which are compared to evaluate the quality of the connection between the wall connector 302 and the apparatus connector 202 may include a phase difference ODIF between the reference phase <DRHF and return phase <DRET (i.e., ODIF = <DREF - <DRET). Here, the predetermined condition may be satisfied where the phase difference ODIF is below a threshold phase difference. Stated differently, if the phase difference <DDIF exceeds threshold phase difference, the quality of the connection between the wall connector 302 and the apparatus connector 202 may not be sufficient to facilitate the transfer for power across the connector system 98, and, accordingly, the power distribution system controller 186 may inhibit the maininterrupt 502 from operating the live state SL. The threshold phase difference may be less than 90 degrees, less than 45 degrees, less than 30 degrees, less 15 degrees, less than 10 degrees, less than 5 degrees, less than 2.5 degrees, less than 1 degree, etc. It should be appreciated that the phase difference may be expressed in alternative units such as radians or even an expression of time, such as milliseconds. In some examples, the predetermined condition is satisfied where the phase difference ODIF is below the threshold voltage difference for a predetermined period of time, as described above.

[0134] In some examples, the one or more parameters which are compared to evaluate the quality of the connection between the wall connector 302 and the apparatus connector 202 includes both the aforementioned voltage difference VDIF and the aforementioned phase difference <DDIF. In these examples, the predetermined condition may be satisfied where both the voltage difference VDIF is below the threshold voltage difference (as described above) and the phase difference ODIF is below the threshold phase difference (as described above). In these examples, the predetermined condition may be satisfied where each of the voltage difference VDIF is below the threshold voltage difference and the phase difference <1»DIF is below the threshold phase difference for a predetermined period of time, as described above. It should be appreciated that the predetermined period of time of the voltage difference VDIF persisting below the threshold voltage difference to satisfy the predetermined condition may be equal to or different from the predetermined period of time of the phase difference ui F persisting below the threshold phase difference to satisfy the predetermined condition. In these examples, the power distribution system controller 186 may also be configured to inhibit the main interrupt 502 from being operated in the live state SL in response to at least one of the voltage difference VDIF exceeding the threshold voltage difference and the phase difference ODIF exceeding the threshold phase difference.

[0135] In some examples, the power distribution system controller 186 may act as the reference signal generator 506 or the reference signal generator 506 may be implemented as a discrete component. It should be appreciated that the oscillating reference signal generated by the reference signal generator 506 and provided to the wall connector 302 for transmission across the connector system 98 may be any electrical signal having a waveform suitable for comparison of one or more parameters between the oscillating reference signal and the return reference signal. In one example, referring to Figure 26A, the oscillating reference signal may be generated as a DC sine wave. In these examples, the DC sine wave of the oscillating reference signal may have a predetermined frequency / and a predetermined amplitude a. The predetermined frequency f and the predetermined amplitude a are not particularly limited forthe purposes of this disclosure. In the example illustrated in Figure 26A, the predetermined amplitude a is 1 volt, but other values for the predetermined amplitude a are contemplated. In some examples, the predetermined frequency f is 150 kilohertz, but other values for the predetermined frequency / are contemplated. It should be appreciated that other waveforms of the oscillating reference signal are contemplated.

[0136] In the example illustrated in Figure 26A, the DC sine wave of the oscillating reference signal oscillates between 4 volts and 6 volts. To generate the illustrated DC sine wave of the illustrated oscillating reference signal, the reference signal generator 506 may include a sine wave generator configured to generate a sine wave having an amplitude of 1 volt (such that the sine wave oscillates between 1 volt and -1 volt) and the reference signal generator 506 may further include a DC offset module configured to receive the sine wave from the sine wave generator and offset the sine wave by +5 volts such that the DC sine wave oscillates between 4 volts and 6 volts. Other configurations for generating a DC sine wave, as well as other values for the offset voltage, predetermined amplitude a, and predetermined frequency / are contemplated.

[0137] Figure 26B illustrates an example of a comparison of the oscillating reference signal of Figure 26A with the resulting return reference signal to determine a voltage difference VDIF between the reference voltage VREF and return voltage VRET. In this example, it should be appreciated that the voltage difference VDIF may be defined as an average voltage difference VDIF between the reference voltage VREF and return voltage VRET over a predetermined period of time, or may be a peak voltage difference VDIF (e.g., the voltage difference between one peak of the oscillating reference signal and a corresponding peak of the resulting return reference signal). In any event, as described above, where the voltage difference VDIF exceeds the threshold voltage difference, the power distribution system controller 186 may infer as a result of the ascertained voltage drop that the quality of the connection between the wall connector 302 and the apparatus connector 202 is not sufficient to facilitate the transfer for power across the connector system 98 and inhibit the main interrupt 502 from being operated in the live state SL.

[0138] Figure 26C illustrates an example of a comparison of the oscillating reference signal of Figure 26A with the resulting return reference signal to determine a phase difference <DDIF between the reference phase GREF and return phase <DRET- In this example, it should be appreciated that the phase difference QDIF may be defined as an average phase difference <DDIF between the reference phase GREF and return phase GRET over a predetermined period of time, or may be an instantaneous difference GDIF (e.g., the phase difference between a one peak ofthe oscillating reference signal and a corresponding peak of the resulting return reference signal). In any event, as described above, where the phase difference <DDIF exceeds the threshold phase difference, the power distribution system controller 186 may infer as a result of the ascertained phase shift that the quality of the connection between the wall connector 302 and the apparatus connector 202 is not sufficient to facilitate the transfer for power across the connector system 98 and inhibit the main interrupt 502 from being operated in the live state SL.

[0139] As described above, in some examples, the one or more parameters which are compared to evaluate the quality of the connection between the wall connector 302 and the apparatus connector 202 includes both the aforementioned voltage difference VDIF and the aforementioned phase difference ODIF. Accordingly, in these examples, comparisons illustrated in Figures 26B and 26C may be executed in concert. As discussed above, voltage difference VDIF and phase difference <DDIF are merely examples of the one or more parameters which may be compared to evaluate the quality of the connection between the wall connector 302 and the apparatus connector 202. Other parameters and associated comparisons are contemplated. It should also be appreciated that the oscillating reference signal does not necessarily need to continuously oscillate as illustrated in Figure 26A. For example, the oscillating reference signal generated by the reference signal generator 506 may be generated as a transitory pulse by which voltage difference VDIF and / or phase difference <1>DIF may be ascertained and compared. In examples where phase difference <DDIF is not one of the one or more parameters which are compared to evaluate the quality of the connection between the wall connector 302 and the apparatus connector 202, it is contemplated that the oscillating reference signal may have a fixed (i.e., not oscillating) voltage.

[0140] Referring to Figures 27-30B, the power distribution system may include a comparison circuit 512 in communication with the power distribution system controller 186 for comparing the one or more parameters of the oscillating reference signal with the return reference signal. Referring first to Figure 27, the comparison circuit 512 may be operatively coupled to the monitoring interface 508 to receive the return reference signal. The comparison circuit 512 may also be operatively coupled to the reference signal generator 506 to receive the oscillating reference signal. The comparison circuit 512 may include suitable hardware for comparing the comparing the one or more parameters of the oscillating reference signal with the return reference signal and providing the comparison to the power distribution system controller 186. In some examples, referring to Figure 28, the power distribution system 96 may further include one or more load resistors (generally indicated at 514) interposed betweenthe comparison circuit 512 and ground G for applying load to at least partially condition the return reference signal for comparison with the oscillating reference signal.

[0141] Referring to Figure 29, in examples where the one or more parameters includes the voltage difference VDIF and / or phase difference <DDIF, the comparison circuit 512 may include a voltage detection circuit (generally indicated at 516) for determining a voltage difference VDIF between the reference voltage VREF and return voltage VRET. While the specific implementation of the voltage detection circuit 516 is not particularly limited for the purposes of this disclosure, an exemplary voltage detection circuit 516 may include a differential amplifier arrangement, a comparator circuit arrangement, an operational amplifier, the like, and combinations thereof. Other configurations are contemplated. The comparison circuit 512 may additionally or alternatively include a phase detection circuit (generally indicated at 518) for determining a phase difference <DDIF between the reference phase <DREF and return phase <DRET- While the hardware implementation of the phase detection circuit 518 is not particularly limited for the purposes of this disclosure, an exemplary phase detection circuit 518 may include an arrangement including a difference amplifier and peak detector, a phase comparator arrangement, a phase detector arrangement, the like, and combinations thereof. Other configurations are contemplated. It should be appreciated that in configurations where a plurality oscillating reference signals are compared with a corresponding plurality of return reference signals (described in further detail below), the comparison circuit 512 may include a corresponding plurality of voltage detection circuits 514 and / or phase detection circuits 516. It should also be appreciated that in other examples, the power distribution system controller 186 may be configured to compare the one or more parameters of the oscillating reference signal with the return reference signal without the need for a discrete comparison circuit 512.

[0142] In some examples, the power provided by the power source 157 for transmission across the connector system 98 to the patient support apparatus 100 is significantly higher (e.g., higher voltage and / or higher current) than the power of the oscillating reference signal transmitted across the connector system 98 for evaluating the quality of the connection between the wall connector 302 and the apparatus connector 202. Accordingly, the components of the monitoring circuit 504 and / or the comparison circuit 512 may be susceptible to damage if they are inadvertently energized by the power source 157 (e.g., during operation of the main interrupt 502 in the live state SL). Accordingly, in some examples, the power distribution system 96 may include componentry to disconnect / isolate the monitoring circuit 504 and / or the comparison circuit 512 from the power source interface 500 during operation of the main interrupt 502 in the live state SL. For example, the monitoring circuit 504 may further includeone or more interrupters 520 for isolating the monitoring circuit 504 from the power source interface 500 during operation of the main interrupt 502 in the live state SL. In some examples, the one or more interrupters 520 are in communication with the power distribution system controller 186 such that the controller is configured to operate the one or more interrupters 520 to disconnect / isolate the monitoring circuit 504 and / or the comparison circuit 512 from the power source interface 500 during operation of the main interrupt 502 in the live state SL. In other examples, the one or more interrupters 520 may be operable to disconnect / isolate the monitoring circuit 504 and / or the comparison circuit 512 from the power source interface 500 independently from the power distribution system controller 186. While the hardware implementation of the one or more interrupters 520 is not particularly limited for the purposes of this disclosure, exemplary configurations of the one or more interrupters 520 may be implemented as one or more switches, one or more relays, one or more transistors, etc. Other configurations are contemplated.

[0143] Referring to Figures 30A and 30B, the one or more interrupters 520 may include a first interrupter 520A interposed between the reference signal generator 506 and the wall connector 302. The first interrupter 520A may be configured for operation between a first coupled state 520A-SC and a first decoupled state 520A-SD. In the first coupled state 520A- SC (shown in Figure 30A), the first interrupter 520A disposes the reference signal generator 506 in electrical communication with the wall connector 302 for providing the oscillating reference signal to the wall connector 302. In the first decoupled state 520A-SD (shown in Figure 30B), the first interrupter 520 A interrupts electrical communication between the reference signal generator 506 and the wall connector 302 to isolate the reference signal generator 506 (and other components of the monitoring circuit 504) from the power source interface 500 during operation of the main interrupt 502 in the live state SL. The power distribution system controller 186 may be in communication with the first interrupter 520A such that the power distribution system controller 186 may be further configured to operate the first interrupter 520A in the first coupled state 520A-SC to provide the oscillating reference signal to the wall connector 302, and first interrupter 520A may be configured to operate in the first decoupled state 520A-SD in response to operation of the main interrupt 502 in the live state SL.

[0144] Still referring to Figures 30A and 30B, additionally or alternatively, the monitoring circuit 504 may further include a second interrupter 520B interposed between the monitoring interface 508 and the comparison circuit 512. The second interrupter 520B may be configured for operation between a second coupled state 520B-SC and a second decoupledstate 520B-SD. In the second coupled state 520B-SC (shown in Figure 30A), the second interrupter 520B disposes monitoring interface 508 in electrical communication with the comparison circuit 512 for providing the return reference signal to the comparison circuit 512. In the second decoupled state 520B-SD (shown in Figure 30B), the second interrupter 520B interrupts electrical communication between the monitoring interface 508 and comparison circuit 512 to isolate the comparison circuit 512 from the power source interface 500 during operation of the main interrupt 502 in the live state SL. The power distribution system controller 186 may be in communication with the second interrupter 520B such that the power distribution system controller 186 may be further configured to operate the second interrupter 520B in the second coupled state 520B-SC to provide the return reference signal to the comparison circuit 512, and second interrupter 520B may be configured to operate in the second decoupled state 520B-SD in response to operation of the main interrupt 502 in the live state SL.

[0145] Accordingly, as shown by the components outlined in bold in Figure 30A, during operation of the first interrupter 520A in the first coupled state 520A-SC and the second interrupter 520B in the second coupled state 520B-SC (e.g., during the initialization routine), the reference signal generator 506 is in electrical communication with the wall connector 302 for providing the oscillating reference signal to the wall connector 302, and the monitoring interface 508 is in electrical communication with the comparison circuit 512 for providing the return reference signal to the comparison circuit 512 during operation of the main interrupt 502 in the interrupt state SI. Furthermore, as shown by the components outlined in bold in Figure 30B, during operation of the first interrupter 520A in the first decoupled state 520A-SD and the second interrupter 520B in the second decoupled state 520B-SD, the first interrupter 520A interrupts electrical communication between the reference signal generator 506 and the wall connector 302 to isolate the reference signal generator 506 (and other components of the monitoring circuit 504) from the power source interface 500, and the second interrupter 520B interrupts electrical communication between the monitoring interface 508 and comparison circuit 512 to isolate the comparison circuit 512 from the power source interface 500 during operation of the main interrupt 502 in the live state SL. It should be appreciated that the configuration illustrated in Figures 30A and 30B is merely one example of a configuration suitable for disconnecting / isolating the monitoring circuit 504 and / or the comparison circuit 512 from the power source interface 500 during operation of the main interrupt 502 in the live state SL, and other configurations for disconnecting / isolating the monitoring circuit 504 and / orthe comparison circuit 512 from the power source interface 500 during operation of the main interrupt 502 in the live state SL are contemplated.

[0146] A number of configurations for transmitting power and / or data across the connector system 98 are contemplated. For example, the wall connector 302 may include a wall connector interface 522 coupled with the main interrupt 502 for providing power from the power source 157 and the oscillating reference signal from the reference signal generator 506 to the apparatus connector 202 during operation of the connector system 98 in the connected state CS. Here, the reference signal generator 506 may be arranged in communication with the wall connector interface 522 to provide the oscillating reference signal to the wall connector interface 522 for transmission across the connector system 98, as described above. Additionally, the apparatus connector 202 may further include an apparatus connector interface 524 arranged for selective engagement with the wall connector interface 522 during operation of the connector system 98 in the connected state CS for transmitting power and / or data across the connector system 98.

[0147] Figure 31 illustrates one exemplary configuration of the wall connector interface 522 and the apparatus connector interface 524 configured for transmitting power and / or data across the connector system 98. Here, the wall connector 302 includes a wall connector terminal 306 coupled with the main interrupt 502 for receiving power from the power source 157 and for receiving the oscillating reference signal from the reference signal generator 506, and the apparatus connector 202 includes a corresponding apparatus connector terminal 206 arranged for selective engagement with the wall connector terminal 306 during operation of the connector system 98 in the connected state CS. Here too, it should be appreciated that the wall connector terminal 306 and the apparatus connector terminal 206 are depicted schematically in Figure 31, and that the specific implementation of the wall connector terminal 306 and / or the apparatus connector terminal 206 is not particularly limited for the purposes of this disclosure. For example, the wall connector terminal 306 may include a contact face shaped and arranged to abut a corresponding contact face of the apparatus connector terminal 206 during operation of the connector system 98 in the connected state CS. In other examples, the wall connector terminal 306 and / or the apparatus connector terminal 206 may be realized as “pogo pins” or may otherwise facilitate at least partial resilient deflection or movement to help ensure contact during engagement in the connected state CS. It will be appreciated that other configurations of the wall connector interface 522 and / or the apparatus connector interface 524 are contemplated, and the wall connector interface 522 and / or the apparatusconnector interface 524 could be of other types, styles, and / or arrangements sufficient to transmit power and / or data across the connector system 98 in the connected state CS.

[0148] As described above, the monitoring interface 508 is arranged to receive the return reference signal from the apparatus connector 202 during operation of the connector system 98 in the connected state CS. In some examples, the monitoring interface 508 of the monitoring circuit 504 is supported by the wall connector 302 such that the monitoring interface 508 is arranged to receive the return reference signal from the apparatus connector 202 during operation of the connector system 98 in the connected state CS. In these examples, the apparatus connector 202 may further include a return interface 526 arranged for selective engagement with the monitoring interface 508 during operation of the connector system 98 in the connected state CS for providing the return reference signal to the monitoring interface 508.

[0149] Referring to Figure 31, in the illustrated configuration, the return interface 526 is in communication with the apparatus connector interface 524 such that the return interface 526 is configured to receive the return reference signal from the apparatus connector interface 524 and provide the return reference signal to the monitoring interface 508. For example, as illustrated in Figure 31, the apparatus connector 202 may include a return loop conductor 528 extending between the apparatus connector interface 524 and the return interface 526 to provide the return reference signal to the return interface 526, but other configurations of arranging return interface 526 in communication with the apparatus connector interface 524 to receive the return reference signal from the apparatus connector interface 524 and other arrangements for provide the return reference signal to the monitoring interface 508 are contemplated.

[0150] Figure 31 also illustrates one exemplary configuration of the monitoring interface 508 and the return interface 526. Here, the monitoring interface 508 includes a monitoring interface terminal 530 (e.g., one of the interface data terminals 306D). Similar to described above, the monitoring interface terminal 530 is arranged to receive the return reference signal from the apparatus connector terminal 206 via the return interface 526 during operation of the connector system 98 in the connected state CS. Here, the return interface 526 of Figure 31 includes a return interface terminal 532 (e.g., one of the apparatus data terminals 206D) arranged for selective engagement with the monitoring interface terminal 530 during operation of the connector system 98 in the connected state CS to provide the return reference signal to the monitoring interface 508. It should be appreciated that the monitoring interface terminal 530 and the return interface terminal 532 are depicted schematically in Figure 31, and that the specific implementation of the monitoring interface terminal 530 and / or the return interface terminal 532 is not particularly limited for the purposes of this disclosure. Forexample, the monitoring interface terminal 530 may include a contact face shaped and arranged to abut a corresponding contact face of the return interface terminal 532 during operation of the connector system 98 in the connected state CS. In other examples, the monitoring interface terminal 530 and / or the return interface terminal 532 may be realized as “pogo pins” or may otherwise facilitate at least partial resilient deflection or movement to help ensure contact during engagement in the connected state CS. It will be appreciated that other configurations of the monitoring interface 508 and / or the return interface 526 are contemplated, and the monitoring interface 508 and / or the return interface 526 could be of other types, styles, and / or arrangements sufficient to transmit power and / or data across the connector system 98 in the connected state CS.

[0151] Referring to Figures 32-35, in some examples, the wall connector interface 522 may include a plurality of wall connector terminals 306, and the apparatus connector interface 524 may include a corresponding plurality of apparatus connector terminals 206. Here, each of the plurality of apparatus connector terminals 206 are arranged for selective engagement with a respective one of the plurality of wall connector terminals 306 during operation of the connector system 98 in the connected state CS. Additionally, the reference signal generator 506 may be configured to provide a respective oscillating reference signal to each of the plurality of wall connector terminals 306. In some examples, the oscillating reference signal provided to each of the plurality of wall connector terminals 306 is the same oscillating reference signal, but it is also contemplated that the reference signal generator 506 may generate and provide a distinct oscillating reference signal (i.e., having unique properties such as voltage and / or frequency) to each of the plurality of wall connector terminals 306. Furthermore, it is also contemplated that the monitoring interface 508 may include a plurality of monitoring interface terminals 530. Here, similar to as described above, each of the plurality monitoring interface terminals 530 may be arranged to receive a respective return reference signal from a respective one of the plurality of apparatus connector terminals 206 during operation of the connector system 98 in the connected state CS (e.g. via a plurality of return interface terminals 532 each coupled to a respective apparatus connector terminal 206 via a return loop conductor 528).

[0152] Similar to as described above, where the monitoring interface 508 includes a plurality monitoring interface terminals 530 arranged to receive a respective return reference signal from a respective one of the plurality of apparatus connector terminals 206 ((e.g. via a plurality of return interface terminals 532 each coupled to a respective apparatus connector terminal 206), the power distribution system controller 186 may be configured to compare (e.g.,via the comparison circuit 512) the respective oscillating reference signal provided to each of the plurality of wall connector terminals 306 with the respective return reference signal received by each of the corresponding monitoring interface terminals 530 to evaluate the quality of the connection between the wall connector 302 and the apparatus connector 202. Based on these comparisons, the power distribution system controller 186 may be configured to change operation of the main interrupt 502 from the interrupt state SI to the live state SL to provide power from the power source 157 across the connector system 98 to the patient support apparatus 100 in response to each comparison of the respective oscillating reference signal and the respective return reference signal satisfying the predetermined condition. Stated differently, the power distribution system controller 186 (e.g., via the comparison circuit 512) may be configured to compare each oscillating reference signal provided to the plurality of wall connector terminals 306 with the return reference signal received by the corresponding monitoring interface terminals 530 to evaluate the quality of the connection between each wall connector terminal 306 and its corresponding apparatus connector terminal 206. Accordingly, the power distribution system controller 186 may be configured to inhibit operation of the main interrupt 502 in the live state SL where any one of the comparisons do not satisfy the predetermined condition (e.g., the threshold voltage difference and / or the threshold phase difference).

[0153] It should be appreciated that the power distribution system 96 may be configured to receive a variety of power formats from the power source 157 of the facility F. For example, the power source interface 500 of the power distribution system 96 may be configured to receive AC power from the power source 157 of the facility F and / or DC power from the power source 157 of the facility F. For versions configured to receive AC power from the power source 157 of the facility F, it should be appreciated that a variety of AC power modalities are contemplated, such as single phase, three phase, and / or a variety of voltages (e.g., between 100 and 250 volts), variety of frequencies (e.g., 50 Hz or 60 Hz), etc. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that the number of wall connector terminals 306, apparatus connector terminals 206, and / or monitoring interface terminals 530 may correspond to the number of terminals associated with a particular modality of the power source 157 of the facility F.

[0154] As shown schematically in Figure 2 and Figures 31-34, the apparatus connector 202 is operatively coupled with various components of the patient support apparatus 100, including for example the apparatus controller 156 and / or various powered devices PD or other components in communication with the apparatus controller 156. In some examples (e.g.,where the power provided from the power source 157 of the facility F is AC power), the patient support apparatus 100 may further include a power converter 164 for receiving power from the power source 157 across the connector system 98 and providing power to the one or more powered devices PD of the patient support apparatus 100. The power converter 164 may be implemented as any suitable components for converting power from the power source 157 of the facility F into a format suitable for energizing the one or more powered devices PD of the patient support apparatus 100 (e.g., for converting AC to DC) and may typically include an onboard charging module, inverter, voltage transformer, rectifier, the like, and combinations thereof. In some examples, such as shown schematically in Figure 2, the patient support apparatus 100 may further include an energy storage device 159 operatively coupled to the apparatus connector 202 for receiving and storing power received from the power source 157 of the facility F. The energy storage device 159 may be implemented as a battery, supercapacitor, etc. The energy storage device 159 is configured to provide power to the one or more powered devices PD of the patient support apparatus 100 during operation of the connector system 98 in a disconnected state DS (i.e., where the patient support apparatus 100 is not connected to the power source 157 of the facility F). In examples including the energy storage device 159, the power converter 164 may be implemented as an inverter interposed between the apparatus connector 202 and the energy storage device 159 to condition power received by the apparatus connector 202 from the power source 157 of the facility F for storage by the energy storage device 159 (e.g., to charge a battery). It is also contemplated that in examples including the energy storage device 159, the power converter 164 may still directly power the one or more powered devices during operation of the connector system 98 in a connected state CS.

[0155] Figure 32 illustrates one example of a power distribution system 96 and power source interface 500 configured to receive AC power from the power source 157 of the facility F. In the illustrated example, the plurality of wall connector terminals 306 includes a wall connector line terminal 306L, a wall connector neutral terminal 306N, and a wall connector ground terminal 306G. To energize the plurality of wall connector terminals 306 (to provide power from the power source 157 across the connector system 98 to the patient support apparatus 100), the power source interface 500 may a plurality of power source interfaces 500. Here, the plurality of power source interfaces 500 includes a power source line conductor 500L operatively coupled to the wall connector line terminal 306L and configured to be coupled with a line terminal 157L of the power source 157 of the facility F, a power source neutral conductor 500N operatively coupled to the wall connector neutral terminal 306N and configured to becoupled with a neutral terminal 157N of the power source 157 of the facility F, and a power source ground conductor 500G operatively coupled to the wall connector ground terminal 306G and configured to be coupled with a ground terminal 157G of the power source 157 of the facility F. Other configurations of power source interface 500 configured to receive AC power from the power source 157 of the facility F are contemplated.

[0156] In these configurations, as shown in Figure 32, the plurality of apparatus connector terminals 206 may include an apparatus connector line terminal 206L, an apparatus connector neutral terminal 206N, and an apparatus connector ground terminal 206G. As shown in Figure 32, the apparatus connector line terminal 206L may be arranged for selective engagement with the wall connector line terminal 306L during operation of the connector system 98 in the connected state CS, the apparatus connector neutral terminal 206N may be arranged for selective engagement with the wall connector neutral terminal 306N during operation of the connector system 98 in the connected state CS, and the apparatus connector ground terminal 206G may be arranged for selective engagement with the wall connector ground terminal 306G during operation of the connector system 98 in the connected state CS.

[0157] As alluded to above, where the monitoring interface 508 includes a plurality monitoring interface terminals 530 arranged to receive a respective return reference signal from a respective one of the plurality of apparatus connector terminals 206, the return interface 526 may include a corresponding plurality of return interface terminals 532 each arranged for selective engagement with a respective one of the plurality of monitoring interface terminals 530 during operation of the connector system 98 in the connected state CS to provide the return reference signal to the monitoring interface 508. For example, in the configuration of Figure 32, the plurality of return interface terminals 532 includes a return interface line terminal 532L, a return interface neutral terminal 532N, and a return interface ground terminal 532G. Here, the return interface line terminal 532L is in communication with the apparatus connector line terminal 206L (e.g., via a return loop line conductor 528L) and arranged for selective engagement with a corresponding monitoring interface line terminal 530L of the monitoring interface 508 in the connected state CS to provide the return reference signal to the monitoring interface 508. Similarly, the return interface neutral terminal 532N may be in communication with the apparatus connector neutral terminal 206N (e.g., via a return loop neutral conductor 528N) and arranged for selective engagement with a corresponding monitoring interface neutral terminal 530N of the monitoring interface 508 in the connected state CS to provide the return reference signal to the monitoring interface 508. Likewise, the return interface ground terminal 532G may be in communication with the apparatus connector ground terminal 206G(e.g., via a return loop ground conductor 528G) and arranged for selective engagement with a corresponding monitoring interface ground terminal 530G of the monitoring interface 508 in the connected state CS to provide the return reference signal to the monitoring interface 508.

[0158] Similar to as described above, the power distribution system controller 186 may be configured to compare (e.g., via the comparison circuit 512) the respective oscillating reference signal provided to each of the plurality of wall connector terminals 306 with the respective return reference signal received by each of the corresponding monitoring interface terminals 530 to evaluate the quality of the connection between the wall connector 302 and the apparatus connector 202. For example, in the configuration of Figure 32, the power distribution system controller 186 may be configured to compare (e.g., via the comparison circuit 512) the oscillating reference signal provided to the wall connector line terminal 306L with the return reference signal received by the monitoring interface line terminal 530L to evaluate the quality of the connection between the wall connector line terminal 306L and the apparatus connector line terminal 206L. Similarly, the power distribution system controller 186 may be configured to compare (e.g., via the comparison circuit 512) the oscillating reference signal provided to the wall connector neutral terminal 306N with the return reference signal received by the monitoring interface neutral terminal 53ON to evaluate the quality of the connection between the wall connector neutral terminal 306N and the apparatus connector neutral terminal 206N. Likewise, the power distribution system controller 186 may be configured to compare (e.g., via the comparison circuit 512) the oscillating reference signal provided to the wall connector ground terminal 306G with the return reference signal received by the monitoring interface ground terminal 530G to evaluate the quality of the connection between the wall connector ground terminal 306G and the apparatus connector ground terminal 206G.

[0159] In examples where the power source interface 500 includes a plurality of power source interfaces 500, as described above, the main interrupt 502 may be further defined as a plurality of main interrupts 502, with each of the plurality of main interrupts 502 interposed between one of the plurality of power source interfaces 500 and the wall connector 302 and configured for operation between the live state LS and the interrupt state SI, as described above. It should be appreciated that in some examples, the plurality of main interrupts 502 may be realized as a plurality of discrete interrupts 502, or the plurality of main interrupts 502 may be realized as a single main interrupt module with a plurality of interruptible channels. The specific hardware implementation of the plurality of main interrupts 502 is not limited for the purposes of this disclosure and may be similar to as described above. Other configurations are contemplated.

[0160] Figures 32-34 illustrate examples of a power distribution system 96 including a plurality of main interrupts 502. Here, the plurality of main interrupts 502 includes a main line interrupt 502L interposed between the power source line conductor 500L and the wall connector line terminal 306L, and a main neutral interrupt 502N interposed between the power source neutral conductor 500N and the wall connector neutral terminal 306N. Each of the main line interrupt 502L and the main neutral interrupt 502N may be in communication with the power distribution system controller 186 and configured for operation between the live state SL and the interrupt state SI, similar to as described above. In some examples, the plurality of main interrupts 502 further includes a main ground interrupt 502G interposed between the power source ground conductor 500G and the wall connector ground terminal 306. The main ground interrupt 502G may also be in communication with the power distribution system controller 186 and configured for operation between the live state SL and the interrupt state SI. It should be appreciated that in some configurations, the main ground interrupt 502G may be omitted such that electrical communication between the power source ground conductor 500G and the wall connector ground terminal 306G is not subject to interruption. It should also be appreciated that the illustrated is merely one example of implementing a plurality of main interrupts 502 and other configurations are contemplated.

[0161] In some examples, the power distribution system 96 may further include a return detection circuit 534 in communication with the main interrupt 502 and the monitoring interface 508. Where included, the return detection circuit 534 may be configured to operate the main interrupt 502 in the interrupt state SI in response to an absence of power detected at the monitoring interface 508. While the specific implementation of the return detection circuit 534 for detecting an absence of power detected at the monitoring interface 508 is not particularly limited for the purposes of this disclosure, an exemplary return detection circuit 534 may include aa comparator circuit arrangement, a flip flop circuit arrangement, a latch circuit arrangement, the like, and combinations thereof. Other configurations are contemplated.

[0162] Figure 33 illustrates one example of a power distribution system 96 including a return detection circuit 534. Referring to Figure 33, the plurality of return interface terminals 532 may include a first return interface line terminal 532L-1 in communication with the apparatus connector line terminal 206L (e.g., via a first return loop line conductor 528L-1) and arranged for selective engagement with a corresponding first monitoring interface line terminal 530L-1 of the monitoring interface 508 in the connected state CS to provide power to the monitoring interface 508 during operation of the main interrupt 502 in the live state LS. In theillustrated example, the plurality of return interface terminals 532 also includes a second return interface line terminal 532L-2 in communication with the apparatus connector line terminal 206L (e.g., via a second return loop line conductor 528L-2) and arranged for selective engagement with a corresponding second monitoring interface line terminal 530L-2 of the monitoring interface 508 in the connected state CS to provide power to the monitoring interface 508 during operation of the main interrupt 502 in the live state LS. Here, the return detection circuit 534 is in communication with the main interrupt 502 and the first monitoring interface line terminal 53OL-1 and the second monitoring interface line terminal 530L-2 of the monitoring interface 508. In the illustrated configuration, the return detection circuit 534 is configured to operate the main interrupt 502 in the interrupt state SI in response to an absence of power detected at least one of the first monitoring interface line terminal 530L-1 and the second monitoring interface line terminal 530L-2 the monitoring interface 508. For example, there may be an absence of power detected at least one of the first monitoring interface line terminal 530L-1 and the second monitoring interface line terminal 530L-2 where the apparatus connector 202 is quickly disconnected from the wall connector 302. Accordingly, the return detection circuit 534 may serve as yet another check to ensure connection between the wall connector 302 and the apparatus connector 202. It should be appreciated that the configuration of Figure 33 is merely one example of implementing a return detection circuit 534 and other configurations are contemplated.

[0163] Figure 34 is a perspective view of one configuration of connector system 98 including the wall connector 302 and the apparatus connector 202 each having a plurality of terminals arranged for selective engagement in the connected state CS. While similar to the version depicted in Figure 7, the version depicted in Figure 34 employs the wall connector interface 522 includes three wall connector terminals 306, and the apparatus connector interface 524 includes apparatus connector terminals 206 to facilitate transferring power P and the oscillating reference signal across the connector system 98 in the connected state CS, such as to transfer Alternating Current power P across three wires (e.g., neutral, line, and ground). However, it will be appreciated that different quantities of apparatus wall connector terminals 306 and / or apparatus connector terminals 206 may be utilized in some versions (e.g., more than three or fewer than three). In the illustrated version, the return interface 526 include four apparatus return interface terminals 532 and the monitoring interface 508 includes four monitoring interface terminals 530 to facilitate transferring the return reference signal across the connector system 98 connected state CS. Here too, it will be appreciated that different quantities of return interface terminals 532 and / or monitoring interface terminals 530 may beutilized in some versions (e.g., more than four or fewer than four). In some versions, aspects of the connector system 98, including the configuration of the wall connector 302 and / or the apparatus connector 202, may be similar to as is described in International Patent Application Publication No. WO2021242946A1 entitled “Systems For Providing Power To A Patient Support Apparatus” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Other configurations are contemplated.

[0164] As noted above, the connector system 98 may be employed to facilitate the transfer of both power P and data D between the patient support apparatus 100 and the power distribution system 96 and / or the facility F. It will be appreciated that various types of data D may be transferred between the patient support apparatus 100 and the power distribution system 96 and / or the facility F, according to various communication protocols, standards, and the like. Data D may represent or be associated with various aspects of the facility F, the patient, the patient support apparatus 100, and / or other medical devices, systems, and the like, such as for example data D about devices associated with the patient support apparatus 100. Other configurations are contemplated. In some versions, data D may be exchanged between the apparatus controller 156 and the power distribution system controller 186 of the power distribution system 96 to facilitate operation of the power distribution system 96. In some versions, data D may be exchanged between the apparatus controller 156 and the facility F (e.g., nurse call systems, terminals, monitoring systems, management systems, other medical devices or equipment, and the like). Other configurations are contemplated.

[0165] In some examples, referring to Figure 35, where the connector system 98 is employed to facilitate the transfer of both power P and data D between the patient support apparatus 100 and the power distribution system 96 and / or the facility F, the plurality of wall connector terminals 306 may further include one or more wall connector data terminals 306D. In these examples, the apparatus connector 202 may further includes a corresponding one or more apparatus connector data terminals 206D each arranged for selective engagement with a respective one of the one or more wall connector data terminals 306D during operation of the connector system 98 in the connected state CS to transmit data D across the connector system 98. It should be appreciated that the wall connector data terminals 306D and / or apparatus connector data terminals 206D may be implemented similar to as described above for the other wall connector terminals 306 and apparatus connector terminals 206 for transferring power. It should be appreciated that while Figure 35 illustrates the wall connector data terminals 306D and / or apparatus connector data terminals 206D as discrete terminals, in some examples, the connector system 98 may be configured such that one or more terminals of the connectorsystem 98 are configured to transfer both power and data across a shared terminal (e.g., via power line communication). It is also contemplated that in some examples transfer of data D between the patient support apparatus 100 and the power distribution system 96 and / or the facility F may be accomplished wirelessly (e.g., via Bluetooth, NFC, and the like).

[0166] As shown schematically in Figure 36, in some examples, the patient support system 94 may include a temperature sensor 536 arranged for thermal communication with the power distribution system 96 (e.g., within the housing 301 of the power distribution system 96) and / or the connector system 98 (e.g., within one or both of the wall connector 302 and the apparatus connector 202). In some examples, the temperature sensor 536 may be realized as a thermocouple arranged to monitor the temperature of a thermally conductive electric isolation material arranged in thermal communication with the power distribution system 96 and / or the connector system 98, but other configurations are contemplated. Where the patient support system 94 includes a temperature sensor 536, the main interrupt 502 may be configured to operate in the interrupt state SI where a temperature measured by the temperature sensor 536 exceeds a threshold temperature value. For example, the threshold temperature value may be at least 50 degrees Celsius, at least 75 degrees Celsius, at least 100 degrees Celsius, etc. In some examples, the temperature sensor 536 may be in communication with the power distribution system controller 186 such that the power distribution system controller 186 controls operation of the main interrupt 502 based on the measured temperature. It should be appreciated that a plurality of temperature sensors 536 may be disposed in thermal communication with the power distribution system 96 and / or the connector system 98 for monitoring the temperature of various aspects thereof.

[0167] With continued reference to Figure 36, in some examples, the power distribution system 96 may further include a fault interrupt 538 interposed between the power source interface 500 and the main interrupt 502 and configured to interrupt electrical communication between the power source interface 500 and the main interrupt 502 in response to a fault condition being satisfied. The fault interrupt 538 may be a circuit breaker, contactor, or the like. A variety of fault conditions are contemplated. For example, the fault condition may be satisfied where a voltage of the power received by the power source interface 500 from the power source 157 of the facility F is outside of a predetermined voltage range. Additionally, the fault condition may be satisfied where a current of the power received by the power source interface 500 from the power source 157 of the facility F is outside of a predetermined current range. In some examples, the fault condition may be satisfied where a temperature measuredby the temperature sensor 536 exceeds a threshold temperature value. Other fault conditions are contemplated.

[0168] In this way, the configuration of the apparatus interface 200 and the facility interface 300 of the connector system 98 affords significant opportunities for improved usability and safety associated with operating patient support apparatuses 100 which employ powered devices PD driven by batteries 159.

[0169] Several implementations have been discussed in the foregoing description. However, the implementations discussed herein are not intended to be exhaustive or limit the invention to any particular form. The terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings and the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

[0170] The present disclosure also comprises the following clauses, with specific features laid out in dependent clauses, that may specifically be implemented as described in greater detail with reference to the configurations and drawings above.CLAUSESI. A power distribution system for electrically coupling a power source to an apparatus connector of a patient support apparatus in a connected state, the power distribution system comprising: a power source interface configured to be coupled with the power source; a wall connector operatively coupled to the power source interface and arranged for selective engagement with the apparatus connector of the patient support apparatus during operation of the apparatus connector is in the connected state; a main interrupt interposed between the power source interface and the wall connector, the main interrupt configured for operation between: a live state where the power source interface is disposed in electrical communication with the wall connector for providing power from the power source to the apparatus connector, and an interrupt state where electrical communication between the power source interface and the wall connector is interrupted; a monitoring circuit including: a reference signal generator configured to provide an oscillating reference signal to the wall connector; and a monitoring interface arranged to receive a return reference signal from theapparatus connector during operation in the connected state; and a controller in communication with the main interrupt and the monitoring circuit, wherein the controller is configured to: operate the main interrupt in the interrupt state in response to the apparatus connector moving out of the connected state; and execute an initialization routine in response to the apparatus connector entering the connected state to evaluate the quality of the connection between the wall connector and the apparatus connector, the initialization routine including: comparing the oscillating reference signal provided by the reference signal generator with the return reference signal received by the monitoring interface; and changing operation of the main interrupt from the interrupt state to the live state to provide power from the power source across the wall connector in response to the comparison satisfying a predetermined condition.II. The power distribution system according to claim I, wherein the predetermined condition is satisfied where a comparison of one or more parameters of the oscillating reference signal and the return reference signal are below a threshold difference.III. The power distribution system according to claim II, wherein the oscillating reference signal defines a reference voltage and the return reference signal defines a return voltage; wherein the one or more parameters includes a voltage difference between reference voltage and the return voltage; and wherein the predetermined condition is satisfied where the voltage difference is below a threshold voltage difference.IV. The power distribution system according to claim III, wherein the predetermined condition is satisfied where the voltage difference is below the threshold voltage difference for a predetermined period of time.V. The power distribution system according to claim II, wherein the oscillating reference signal defines a reference phase and the return reference signal defines a return phase; wherein the one or more parameters includes a phase difference between reference phase and the return phase; and wherein the predetermined condition is satisfied where the phase difference is below a threshold phase difference.VI. The power distribution system according to claim V, wherein the predetermined condition is satisfied where the phase difference is below the threshold phase difference for a predeterminedperiod of time.VII. The power distribution system according to claim II, wherein the oscillating reference signal defines a reference voltage and a reference phase, and the return reference signal defines a return voltage and a return phase; wherein the one or more parameters includes: a voltage difference between reference voltage and the return voltage, and a phase difference between reference phase and the return phase; and wherein the predetermined condition is satisfied where the both the voltage difference is below a threshold voltage difference and the phase difference is below a threshold phase difference.VIII. The power distribution system according to claim VII, wherein the predetermined condition is satisfied where both the voltage difference is below a threshold voltage difference for a predetermined period of time and the phase difference is below a threshold phase difference for a predetermined period of time.IX. The power distribution system according to any one of claims VII or VIII, wherein the controller is configured to inhibit the main interrupt from being operated in the live state in response to at least one of: the voltage difference exceeding the threshold voltage difference; and the phase difference exceeding the threshold phase difference.X. The power distribution system according to any one of claims I to IX, wherein the monitoring circuit further comprises one or more interrupters for isolating the monitoring circuit from the power source interface during operation of the main interrupt in the live state.XI. The power distribution system according to claim X, wherein the one or more interrupters includes a first interrupter interposed between the reference signal generator and the wall connector.XII. The power distribution system according to claim XI, wherein the first interrupter is configured for operation between: a first coupled state where the first interrupter disposes the reference signal generator in electrical communication with the wall connector for providing the oscillating reference signal to the wall connector; and a first decoupled state where electrical communication between the reference signal generator and the wall connector is interrupted.XIII. The power distribution system according to claim XII, wherein the controller is in communication with the first interrupter and is further configured to operate the first interrupterin the first coupled state to provide the oscillating reference signal to the wall connector.XIV. The power distribution system according to any one of claims XII or XIII, wherein the first interrupter is configured to operate in the first decoupled state in response to operation of the main interrupt in the live state.XV. The power distribution system according to any one of claims X to XIV, further comprising a comparison circuit in communication with the controller and operatively coupled to the monitoring interface to compare one or more parameters of the oscillating reference signal with the return reference signal.XVI. The power distribution system according to claim XV, wherein the monitoring circuit further comprises a second interrupter interposed between the monitoring interface and the comparison circuit.XVII. The power distribution system according to claim XVI, wherein the second interrupter is configured for operation between: a second coupled state where the second interrupter disposes the monitoring interface in electrical communication with the comparison circuit for providing the return reference signal to the comparison circuit; and a second decoupled state where electrical communication between the monitoring interface and the comparison circuit is interrupted.XVIII. The power distribution system according to claim XVII, wherein the controller is in communication with the second interrupter and is further configured to operate the second interrupter in the second coupled state to provide the return reference signal to the comparison circuit.XIX. The power distribution system according to any one of claims XVII or XVIII, wherein the second interrupter is configured to operate in the second decoupled state in response to operation of the main interrupt in the live state.XX. The power distribution system according to any one of claims I to XIX, further comprising a comparison circuit in communication with the controller and operatively coupled to the monitoring interface to compare one or more parameters of the oscillating reference signal with the return reference signal.XXI. The power distribution system according to claim XX, further comprising one or more load resistors interposed between the comparison circuit and ground for applying load to at least partially condition the return reference signal.XXII. The power distribution system according to any one of claims I to XXI, wherein the oscillating reference signal is a DC sine wave with a predetermined frequency and a predeterminedamplitude.XXIII. The power distribution system according to claim XXII, wherein the predetermined amplitude is 1 volt.XXIV. The power distribution system according to claim XXIII, wherein the DC sine wave oscillates between 4 volts and 6 volts.XXV. The power distribution system according to any one of claims XXII to XXIV, wherein the predetermined frequency is 150 kilohertz.XXVI. The power distribution system according to any one of claims I to XXV, wherein the wall connector includes a wall connector terminal arranged for selective engagement with a corresponding apparatus connector terminal of the apparatus connector during operation of the apparatus connector in the connected state.XXVII. The power distribution system according to claim XXVI, wherein the monitoring interface includes a monitoring interface terminal arranged to receive the return reference signal from the apparatus connector terminal during operation of the apparatus connector in the connected state.XXVni. The power distribution system according to claim XXVII, wherein the reference signal generator is configured to provide the oscillating reference signal to the wall connector terminal; and wherein the controller is configured to compare the oscillating reference signal provided by the reference signal generator with the return reference signal received by the monitoring interface terminal.XXIX. The power distribution system according to claim XXVIII, wherein the controller is configured to change operation of the main interrupt from the interrupt state to the live state to provide power from the power source across the wall connector in response to the comparison of the oscillating reference signal and the return reference signal received by the monitoring interface terminal satisfying the predetermined condition.XXX. The power distribution system according to any one of claims I to XXV, wherein the wall connector includes a plurality of wall connector terminals arranged for selective engagement with a corresponding plurality of apparatus connector terminals of the apparatus connector during operation of the apparatus connector in the connected state.XXXI. The power distribution system according to claim XXX, wherein the reference signal generator is configured to provide a respective oscillating reference signal to each of the plurality of wall connector terminals.XXXII. The power distribution system according to claim XXXI, wherein the monitoringinterface includes a plurality of monitoring interface terminals; and wherein each of the monitoring interface terminals is arranged to receive a respective return reference signal from a respective one of the plurality of apparatus connector terminals during operation of the apparatus connector in the connected state.XXXni. The power distribution system according to claim XXXII, wherein the controller is configured to compare the respective oscillating reference signal provided to each of the plurality of wall connector terminals with the respective return reference signal received by each of the corresponding monitoring interface terminals.XXXIV. The power distribution system according to claim XXXIII, wherein the controller is configured to change operation of the main interrupt from the interrupt state to the live state to provide power from the power source across the wall connector in response to each comparison of the respective oscillating reference signal and the respective return reference signal satisfying the predetermined condition.XXXV. The power distribution system according to any one of claims XXX to XXXIV, wherein the plurality of wall connector terminals includes: a wall connector line terminal arranged for selective engagement with a corresponding apparatus connector line terminal of the apparatus connector during operation of the apparatus connector in the connected state; a wall connector neutral terminal arranged for selective engagement with a corresponding apparatus connector neutral terminal of the apparatus connector during operation of the apparatus connector in the connected state; and a wall connector ground terminal arranged for selective engagement with a corresponding apparatus connector ground terminal of the apparatus connector during operation of the apparatus connector in the connected state.XXXVI. The power distribution system according to claim XXXV, wherein the power source interface is includes a plurality of power source conductors including: a power source line conductor operatively coupled to the wall connector line terminal and configured to be coupled with a line terminal of the power source; a power source neutral conductor operatively coupled to the wall connector neutral terminal and configured to be coupled with a neutral terminal of the power source; and a power source ground conductor operatively coupled to the wall connector ground terminal and configured to be coupled with a ground terminal of the power source.XXXVII. The power distribution system according to claim XXXVI, wherein the main interrupt includes a plurality of main interrupts including:a main line intermpt interposed between the power source line conductor and the wall connector line terminal; and a main neutral interrupt interposed between the power source neutral conductor and the wall connector neutral terminal; wherein each of the main line interrupt and the main neutral intermpt are configured for operation between the live state and the interrupt state.XXXV111. The power distribution system according to claim XXXV11, wherein the plurality of main interrupts further includes a main ground interrupt interposed between the power source ground conductor and the wall connector ground terminal, wherein the main ground interrupt is configured for operation between the live state and the intermpt state.XXXIX. The power distribution system according to any one of claims XXVI to XXXVIII, wherein the plurality of wall connector terminals includes one or more wall connector data terminals arranged for selective engagement with a corresponding one or more apparatus connector data terminals of the apparatus connector during operation of the apparatus connector in the connected state to transmit data between the wall connector and the apparatus connector.XL. The power distribution system according to any one of claims I to XXXIX, further comprising a return detection circuit in communication with the main interrupt and the monitoring interface, wherein the return detection circuit is configured to operate the main intermpt in the interrupt state in response to an absence of power detected at the monitoring interface.XLI. The power distribution system according to any one of claims I to XL, further comprising a temperature sensor arranged for thermal communication with at least one of a housing of the power distribution system, the wall connector, and the apparatus connector in the connected state, and wherein the main intermpt is configured to operate in the intermpt state where a temperature measured by the temperature sensor exceeds a threshold temperature value.XLII. The power distribution system according to any one of claims I to XLI, further comprising a fault interrupt interposed between the power source interface and the main interrupt and configured to intermpt electrical communication between the power source interface and the main interrupt in response to a fault condition being satisfied.XLIII. The power distribution system according to claim XLII, further comprising a temperature sensor arranged for thermal communication with at least one of a housing of the power distribution system, the wall connector, and the apparatus connector in the connected state, and wherein the fault condition is satisfied where a temperature measured by the temperature sensor exceeds a threshold temperature value.XLIV. The power distribution system according to any one of claims I to XLIII, wherein thepower source interface is configured to receive AC power from the power source such that the wall connector is configured to provide AC power to the apparatus connector during operation of the main interrupt in the live state.XLV. A patient support system configured to be coupled to a power source of a facility, the patient support system comprising: a patient support apparatus including one or more powered devices for facilitating patient care; a connector system including: a wall connector; and an apparatus connector operatively coupled to the patient support apparatus and arranged for selective engagement with the wall connector during operation of the connector system in a connected state; and a power distribution system including: a power source interface operatively connected to the wall connector and configured to be coupled with the power source of the facility; a main interrupt interposed between the power source interface and the wall connector, the main intermpt configured for operation between: a live state where the power source interface is disposed in electrical communication with the wall connector for providing power from the power source across the connector system to the patient support apparatus, and an intermpt state where electrical communication between the power source interface and the wall connector is interrupted; a monitoring circuit including: a reference signal generator configured to provide an oscillating reference signal to the wall connector; and a monitoring interface arranged to receive a return reference signal from the apparatus connector during operation in the connected state; and a controller in communication with the main intermpt and the monitoring circuit, wherein the controller is configured to: operate the main intermpt in the in termpt state in response to the connector system moving out of the connected state; and execute an initialization routine in response to the connector system entering the connected state to evaluate the quality of the connection between the wall connector and the apparatus connector, the initialization routine including:comparing the oscillating reference signal provided by the reference signal generator with the return reference signal received by the monitoring interface; and changing operation of the main interrupt from the interrupt state to the live state to provide power from the power source across the connector system to the patient support apparatus in response to the comparison satisfying a predetermined condition.XLVI. The patient support system according to claim XLV, wherein the predetermined condition is satisfied where a comparison of one or more parameters of the oscillating reference signal and the return reference signal are below a threshold difference.XLVII. The patient support system according to claim XLVI, wherein the oscillating reference signal defines a reference voltage and the return reference signal defines a return voltage; wherein the one or more parameters includes a voltage difference between reference voltage and the return voltage; and wherein the predetermined condition is satisfied where the voltage difference is below a threshold voltage difference.XL VIII. The patient support system according to claim XLVII, wherein the predetermined condition is satisfied where the voltage difference is below the threshold voltage difference for a predetermined period of time.XLIX. The patient support system according to claim XLVI, wherein the oscillating reference signal defines a reference phase and the return reference signal defines a return phase; wherein the one or more parameters includes a phase difference between reference phase and the return phase; and wherein the predetermined condition is satisfied where the phase difference is below a threshold phase difference.L. The patient support system according to claim XLIX, wherein the predetermined condition is satisfied where the phase difference is below the threshold phase difference for a predetermined period of time.LI. The patient support system according to claim XLVI, wherein the oscillating reference signal defines a reference voltage and a reference phase, and the return reference signal defines a return voltage and a return phase; wherein the one or more parameters includes: a voltage difference between reference voltage and the return voltage, and a phase difference between reference phase and the return phase; andwherein the predetermined condition is satisfied where the both the voltage difference is below a threshold voltage difference and the phase difference is below a threshold phase difference.LII. The patient support system according to claim LI, wherein the predetermined condition is satisfied where both the voltage difference is below a threshold voltage difference for a predetermined period of time and the phase difference is below a threshold phase difference for a predetermined period of time.LIII. The patient support system according to any one of claims LI or LII, wherein the controller is configured to inhibit the main interrupt from being operated in the live state in response to at least one of: the voltage difference exceeding the threshold voltage difference; and the phase difference exceeding the threshold phase difference.LIV. The patient support system according to any one of claims XLV to LIII, wherein the monitoring circuit further comprises one or more interrupters for isolating the monitoring circuit from the power source interface during operation of the main interrupt in the live state.LV. The patient support system according to claim LIV, wherein the one or more interrupters includes a first interrupter interposed between the reference signal generator and the wall connector.LVI. The patient support system according to claim LV, wherein the first interrupter is configured for operation between: a first coupled state where the first interrupter disposes the reference signal generator in electrical communication with the wall connector for providing the oscillating reference signal to the wall connector; and a first decoupled state where electrical communication between the reference signal generator and the wall connector is interrupted.LVII. The patient support system according to claim LVI, wherein the controller is in communication with the first interrupter and is further configured to operate the first interrupter in the first coupled state to provide the oscillating reference signal to the wall connector.LVIII. The patient support system according to any one of claims LVI or LVII, wherein the first interrupter is configured to operate in the first decoupled state in response to operation of the main interrupt in the live state.LIX. The patient support system according to any one of claims LIV to LVIII, wherein the power distribution system further comprises a comparison circuit in communication with the controller and operatively coupled to the monitoring interface to compare one or more parameters of theoscillating reference signal with the return reference signal.LX. The patient support system according to claim LIX, wherein the monitoring circuit further comprises a second interrupter interposed between the monitoring interface and the comparison circuit.LXI. The patient support system according to claim LX, wherein the second interrupter is configured for operation between: a second coupled state where the second interrupter disposes the monitoring interface in electrical communication with the comparison circuit for providing the return reference signal to the comparison circuit; and a second decoupled state where electrical communication between the monitoring interface and the comparison circuit is interrupted.LXII. The patient support system according to claim LXI, wherein the controller is in communication with the second interrupter and is further configured to operate the second interrupter in the second coupled state to provide the return reference signal to the comparison circuit.LXIII. The patient support system according to any one of claims LXI or LXII, wherein the second interrupter is configured to operate in the second decoupled state in response to operation of the main interrupt in the live state.LXIV. The patient support system according to any one of claims XLV to LXIII, wherein the power distribution system further comprises a comparison circuit in communication with the controller and operatively coupled to the monitoring interface to compare one or more parameters of the oscillating reference signal with the return reference signal.LXV. The patient support system according to claim LXIV, wherein the power distribution system further comprises one or more load resistors interposed between the comparison circuit and ground for applying load to at least partially condition the return reference signal.LXVI. The patient support system according to any one of claims XLV to LXV, wherein the oscillating reference signal is a DC sine wave with a predetermined frequency and a predetermined amplitude.LXVII. The patient support system according to claim LXVI, wherein the predetermined amplitude is 1 volt.LXVIII. The patient support system according to claim LXVII, wherein the DC sine wave oscillates between 4 volts and 6 volts.LXIX. The patient support system according to any one of claims LXVI to LXVIII, wherein the predetermined frequency is 150 kilohertz.LXX. The patient support system according to any one of claims XLV to LXIX, wherein the wall connector includes a wall connector terminal, and the apparatus connector includes a corresponding apparatus connector terminal arranged for selective engagement with the wall connector terminal during operation of the connector system in the connected state.LXXI. The patient support system according to claim LXX, wherein the monitoring interface includes a monitoring interface terminal arranged to receive the return reference signal from the apparatus connector terminal during operation of the connector system in the connected state.LXXII. The patient support system according to claim LXXI, wherein the reference signal generator is configured to provide the oscillating reference signal to the wall connector terminal; and wherein the controller is configured to compare the oscillating reference signal provided by the reference signal generator with the return reference signal received by the monitoring interface terminal.LXXIII. The patient support system according to claim LXXII, wherein the controller is configured to change operation of the main interrupt from the interrupt state to the live state to provide power from the power source across the connector system to the patient support apparatus in response to the comparison of the oscillating reference signal and the return reference signal received by the monitoring interface terminal satisfying the predetermined condition.LXXIV. The patient support system according to any one of claims XLV to LXIX, wherein the wall connector includes a plurality of wall connector terminals, and the apparatus connector includes a corresponding plurality of apparatus connector terminals, with each of the plurality of apparatus connector terminals arranged for selective engagement with a respective one of the plurality of wall connector terminals during operation of the connector system in the connected state.LXXV. The patient support system according to claim LXXIV, wherein the reference signal generator is configured to provide a respective oscillating reference signal to each of the plurality of wall connector terminals.LXXVI. The patient support system according to claim LXXV, wherein the monitoring interface includes a plurality of monitoring interface terminals; and wherein each of the monitoring interface terminals is arranged to receive a respective return reference signal from a respective one of the plurality of apparatus connector terminals during operation of the connector system in the connected state.LXXVII. The patient support system according to claim LXXVI, wherein the controller is configured to compare the respective oscillating reference signal provided to each of the pluralityof wall connector terminals with the respective return reference signal received by each of the corresponding monitoring interface terminals.LXXVIII. The patient support system according to claim LXVIII, wherein the controller is configured to change operation of the main interrupt from the interrupt state to the live state to provide power from the power source across the connector system to the patient support apparatus in response to each comparison of the respective oscillating reference signal and the respective return reference signal satisfying the predetermined condition.LXXIX. The patient support system according to any one of claims LXXIV to LXXVIII, wherein the plurality of wall connector terminals includes a wall connector line terminal, a wall connector neutral terminal, and a wall connector ground terminal; and wherein the plurality of apparatus connector terminals includes: an apparatus connector line terminal arranged for selective engagement with the wall connector line terminal during operation of the connector system in the connected state; an apparatus connector neutral terminal arranged for selective engagement with the wall connector neutral terminal during operation of the connector system in the connected state; and an apparatus connector ground terminal arranged for selective engagement with the wall connector ground terminal during operation of the connector system in the connected state.LXXX. The patient support system according to claim LXXIX, wherein the power source interface is further defined as a plurality of power source interfaces including: a power source line conductor operatively coupled to the wall connector line terminal and configured to be coupled with a line terminal of the power source of the facility; a power source neutral conductor operatively coupled to the wall connector neutral terminal and configured to be coupled with a neutral terminal of the power source of the facility; and a power source ground conductor operatively coupled to the wall connector ground terminal and configured to be coupled with a ground terminal of the power source of the facility. LXXXI. The patient support system according to claim LXXX, wherein the main intermpt is further defined as a plurality of main intermpts including: a main line interrupt interposed between the power source line conductor and the wall connector line terminal; and a main neutral intermpt interposed between the power source neutral conductor and thewall connector neutral terminal; wherein each of the main line interrupt and the main neutral interrupt are configured for operation between the live state and the interrupt state.LXXXII. The patient support system according to claim LXXXI, wherein the plurality of main interrupts further includes a main ground interrupt interposed between the power source ground conductor and the wall connector ground terminal, wherein the main ground interrupt is configured for operation between the live state and the interrupt state.LXXXIII. The patient support system according to any one of claims LXXIV to LXXXII, wherein the plurality of wall connector terminals further includes one or more wall connector data terminals; and wherein the apparatus connector further includes a corresponding one or more apparatus connector data terminals each arranged for selective engagement with a respective one of the one or more wall connector data terminals during operation of the connector system in the connected state to transmit data across the connector system.LXXXIV. The patient support system according to any one of claims XLV to LXXXIII, wherein the power distribution system further comprises a return detection circuit in communication with the main interrupt and the monitoring interface; and wherein the return detection circuit is configured to operate the main interrupt in the interrupt state in response to an absence of power detected at the monitoring interface.LXXXV. The patient support system according to any one of claims XLV to LXXXIV, further comprising a temperature sensor arranged for thermal communication with at least one of the power distribution system and the connector system, and wherein the main interrupt is configured to operate in the intermpt state where a temperature measured by the temperature sensor exceeds a threshold temperature value.LXXXVI. The patient support system according to any one of claims XLV to LXXXV, wherein the power distribution system further comprising a fault intermpt interposed between the power source interface and the main intermpt and configured to interrupt electrical communication between the power source interface and the main interrupt in response to a fault condition being satisfied.LXXXVII. The patient support system according to claim LXXXVI, further comprising a temperature sensor arranged for thermal communication with at least one of the power distribution system and the connector system, and wherein the fault condition is satisfied where a temperature measured by the temperature sensor exceeds a threshold temperature value.LXXXVIII. The patient support system according to any one of claims XLV to LXXXVII,wherein the power source interface is configured to receive AC power from the power source such that the wall connector is configured to provide AC power to the apparatus connector during operation of the main interrapt in the live state.LXXXIX. The patient support system according to any one of claims XLV to LXXXVIII, wherein the wall connector includes a wall connector interface coupled with the main interrupt for providing power from the power source and the oscillating reference signal from the reference signal generator to the apparatus connector during operation of the connector system in the connected state; and wherein the monitoring interface supported by the wall connector and arranged to receive the return reference signal from the apparatus connector during operation of the connector system in the connected state.XC. The patient support system according to claim LXXXIX, wherein the apparatus connector further includes: an apparatus connector interface arranged for selective engagement with wall connector interface during operation of the connector system in the connected state; and a return interface in communication with the apparatus connector interface and arranged for selective engagement with the monitoring interface of the wall connector during operation of the connector system in the connected state for providing the return reference signal to the monitoring interface.XCI. The patient support system according to claim XC, wherein the monitoring interface includes a plurality of monitoring interface terminals; and wherein the return interface includes a corresponding plurality of return interface terminals each arranged for selective engagement with a respective one of the plurality of monitoring interface terminals during operation of the connector system in the connected state to provide the return reference signal to the monitoring interface.XCII. The patient support system according to claim XCI, wherein the apparatus connector interface includes a plurality of apparatus connector terminals including: an apparatus connector line terminal arranged for selective engagement with a corresponding wall connector line terminal of the wall connector in the connected state; an apparatus connector neutral terminal arranged for selective engagement with a corresponding wall connector neutral terminal of the wall connector in the connected state; and an apparatus connector ground terminal arranged for selective engagement with a corresponding wall connector ground terminal of the wall connector in the connected state.XCIII. The patient support system according to claim XCII, wherein the plurality of returninterface terminals includes: a first return interface line terminal in communication with the apparatus connector line terminal and arranged for selective engagement with a corresponding first monitoring interface line terminal of the monitoring interface in the connected state to provide the return reference signal to the monitoring interface; a return interface neutral terminal in communication with the apparatus connector neutral terminal and arranged for selective engagement with a corresponding monitoring interface neutral terminal of the monitoring interface in the connected state to provide the return reference signal to the monitoring interface; and a return interface ground terminal in communication with the apparatus connector ground terminal and arranged for selective engagement with a corresponding monitoring interface ground terminal of the monitoring interface in the connected state to provide the return reference signal to the monitoring interface.XCfV. The patient support system according to claim XCIII, wherein the plurality of return interface terminals further includes a second return interface line terminal in communication with the apparatus connector line terminal and arranged for selective engagement with a corresponding second monitoring interface line terminal of the monitoring interface in the connected state to provide the return reference signal to the monitoring interface.XCV. The patient support system according to claim XCIV, wherein the power distribution system further comprises a return detection circuit in communication with the main interrupt and the first monitoring interface line terminal and the second monitoring interface line terminal of the monitoring interface; and wherein the return detection circuit is configured to operate the main interrupt in the interrupt state in response to an absence of power detected at at least one of the first monitoring interface line terminal and the second monitoring interface line terminal the monitoring interface. XCVI. The patient support system according to any one of claims XLV to XCV, wherein the patient support apparatus further includes a power converter for receiving power from the power source across the connector system and providing power to the one or more powered devices of the patient support apparatus.XCVII. The patient support system according to any one of claims XLV to XCV, wherein the patient support apparatus further includes an energy storage device operatively coupled to the apparatus connector for receiving and storing power received from the power source.XCVIII. The patient support system according to claim XCVII, wherein the energy storage device is a battery.XCIX. The patient support system according to any one of claims XCVII or XCVIII, wherein the energy storage device is configured to provide power to the one or more powered devices of the patient support apparatus during operation of the connector system in a disconnected state.C. The patient support system according to any one of claims XCVII or XCVIII, wherein the patient support apparatus further includes an inverter interposed between the apparatus connector and the energy storage device to condition power received by the apparatus connector from the power source for storage by the energy storage device.CI. A patient support apparatus configured to be electrically coupled with a wall connector for receiving power from a power source of a facility in a connected state, the patient support apparatus comprising: a support structure including: a base arranged for movement about a floor surface; a litter operatively attached to the base and defining a patient support surface for supporting a patient; one or more powered devices for facilitating patient care; and an apparatus connector arranged for selective engagement with the wall connector in the connected state to receive power from the power source to energize the one or more powered devices, the apparatus connector including: an apparatus connector interface arranged for selective engagement with a wall connector interface of the wall connector in the connected state to receive power from the power source of the facility and an oscillating reference signal; and a return interface in communication with the apparatus connector interface and arranged for selective engagement with a monitoring interface of the wall connector in the connected state for providing a return reference signal to the monitoring interface of the wall connector.CII. The patient support apparatus according to claim CI, wherein apparatus connector interface includes an apparatus connector terminal arranged for selective engagement with a corresponding wall connector terminal of the wall connector interface in the connected state.CIII. The patient support apparatus according to any one of claims CI or CII, wherein the return interface includes a return interface terminal arranged for selective engagement with a monitoring interface terminal of the monitoring interface of the wall connector in the connected state to provide the return reference signal to the monitoring interface.CIV. The patient support apparatus according to claim CI, wherein apparatus connector interface includes a plurality of apparatus connector terminals arranged for selective engagement with acorresponding plurality of wall connector terminals of the wall connector interface in the connected state.CV. The patient support apparatus according to claim CIV, wherein the plurality of apparatus connector terminals includes: an apparatus connector line terminal arranged for selective engagement with a corresponding wall connector line terminal of the wall connector in the connected state; an apparatus connector neutral terminal arranged for selective engagement with a corresponding wall connector neutral terminal of the wall connector in the connected state; and an apparatus connector ground terminal arranged for selective engagement with a corresponding wall connector ground terminal of the wall connector in the connected state.CVI. The patient support apparatus according to any one of claims CIV or CV, wherein the plurality of apparatus connector terminals includes one or more apparatus connector data terminals arranged for selective engagement with a corresponding one or more wall connector data terminals of the wall connector in the connected state to transmit data between the apparatus connector and the wall connector.CVII. The patient support apparatus according to any one of claims CIV to CVI, wherein the return interface includes a plurality of return interface terminals each arranged for selective engagement with a respective one of a corresponding plurality of monitoring interface terminals of the monitoring interface in the connected state to provide a respective return reference signal to the corresponding monitoring interface terminals of the monitoring interface.CVIII. The patient support apparatus according to claim CVII, wherein the plurality of apparatus connector terminals includes: an apparatus connector line terminal arranged for selective engagement with a corresponding wall connector line terminal of the wall connector in the connected state; an apparatus connector neutral terminal arranged for selective engagement with a corresponding wall connector neutral terminal of the wall connector in the connected state; and an apparatus connector ground terminal arranged for selective engagement with a corresponding wall connector ground terminal of the wall connector in the connected state.CIX. The patient support apparatus according to claim CVIII, wherein the plurality of return interface terminals includes: a first return interface line terminal in communication with the apparatus connector line terminal and arranged for selective engagement with a corresponding first monitoring interface line terminal of the monitoring interface in the connected state to provide the return reference signal to the monitoring interface;a return interface neutral terminal in communication with the apparatus connector neutral terminal and arranged for selective engagement with a corresponding monitoring interface neutral terminal of the monitoring interface in the connected state to provide the return reference signal to the monitoring interface; and a return interface ground terminal in communication with the apparatus connector ground terminal and arranged for selective engagement with a corresponding monitoring interface ground terminal of the monitoring interface in the connected state to provide the return reference signal to the monitoring interface.CX. The patient support apparatus according to claim CIX, wherein the plurality of return interface terminals further includes a second return interface line terminal in communication with the apparatus connector line terminal and arranged for selective engagement with a corresponding second monitoring interface line terminal of the monitoring interface in the connected state to provide the return reference signal to the monitoring interface.CXI. The patient support apparatus according to any one of claims CI to CX, further comprising a power converter for receiving power from the power source of the facility across the apparatus connector and providing power to the one or more powered devices.CXII. The patient support apparatus according to any one of claims CI to CXI, further comprising an energy storage device operatively coupled to the apparatus connector for receiving and storing power received from the power source.CXIII. The patient support apparatus according to claim CXII, wherein the energy storage device is a battery.CXIV. The patient support apparatus according to any one of claims CXII or CXIII, wherein the energy storage device is configured to provide power to the one or more powered devices of the patient support apparatus during operation of the apparatus connector in a disconnected state.CXV. The patient support apparatus according to any one of claims CXII or CXIII, further comprising an inverter interposed between the apparatus connector and the energy storage device to condition power received by the apparatus connector from the power source for storage by the energy storage device.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A power distribution system for electrically coupling a power source to an apparatus connector of a patient support apparatus in a connected state, the power distribution system comprising: a power source interface configured to be coupled with the power source; a wall connector operatively coupled to the power source interface and arranged for selective engagement with the apparatus connector of the patient support apparatus during operation of the apparatus connector is in the connected state; a main interrupt interposed between the power source interface and the wall connector, the main interrupt configured for operation between: a live state where the power source interface is disposed in electrical communication with the wall connector for providing power from the power source to the apparatus connector, and an interrupt state where electrical communication between the power source interface and the wall connector is interrupted; a monitoring circuit including: a reference signal generator configured to provide an oscillating reference signal to the wall connector; and a monitoring interface arranged to receive a return reference signal from the apparatus connector during operation in the connected state; and a controller in communication with the main interrupt and the monitoring circuit, wherein the controller is configured to: operate the main intermpt in the interrupt state in response to the apparatus connector moving out of the connected state; and execute an initialization routine in response to the apparatus connector entering the connected state to evaluate the quality of the connection between the wall connector and the apparatus connector, the initialization routine including: comparing the oscillating reference signal provided by the reference signal generator with the return reference signal received by the monitoring interface; and changing operation of the main intermpt from the intermpt state to the live state to provide power from the power source across the wall connector in response to the comparison satisfying a predetermined condition.

2. The power distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition issatisfied where a comparison of one or more parameters of the oscillating reference signal and the return reference signal are below a threshold difference.

3. The power distribution system according to claim 2, wherein the oscillating reference signal defines a reference voltage and the return reference signal defines a return voltage; wherein the one or more parameters includes a voltage difference between reference voltage and the return voltage; and wherein the predetermined condition is satisfied where the voltage difference is below a threshold voltage difference.

4. The power distribution system according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined condition is satisfied where the voltage difference is below the threshold voltage difference for a predetermined period of time.

5. The power distribution system according to claim 2, wherein the oscillating reference signal defines a reference phase and the return reference signal defines a return phase; wherein the one or more parameters includes a phase difference between reference phase and the return phase; and wherein the predetermined condition is satisfied where the phase difference is below a threshold phase difference.

6. The power distribution system according to claim 5, wherein the predetermined condition is satisfied where the phase difference is below the threshold phase difference for a predetermined period of time.

7. The power distribution system according to claim 2, wherein the oscillating reference signal defines a reference voltage and a reference phase, and the return reference signal defines a return voltage and a return phase; wherein the one or more parameters includes: a voltage difference between reference voltage and the return voltage, and a phase difference between reference phase and the return phase; and wherein the predetermined condition is satisfied where the both the voltage difference is below a threshold voltage difference and the phase difference is below a threshold phase difference.

8. The power distribution system according to claim 7, wherein the predetermined condition is satisfied where both the voltage difference is below a threshold voltage difference for a predetermined period of time and the phase difference is below a threshold phase difference for a predetermined period of time.

9. The power distribution system according to claim 7, wherein the controller is configured toinhibit the main interrupt from being operated in the live state in response to at least one of: the voltage difference exceeding the threshold voltage difference; and the phase difference exceeding the threshold phase difference.

10. The power distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the monitoring circuit further comprises one or more interrupters for isolating the monitoring circuit from the power source interface during operation of the main interrupt in the live state.

11. The power distribution system according to claim 10, wherein the one or more interrupters includes a first interrupter interposed between the reference signal generator and the wall connector.

12. The power distribution system according to claim 11, wherein the first interrupter is configured for operation between: a first coupled state where the first interrupter disposes the reference signal generator in electrical communication with the wall connector for providing the oscillating reference signal to the wall connector; and a first decoupled state where electrical communication between the reference signal generator and the wall connector is interrupted.

13. The power distribution system according to claim 12, wherein the controller is in communication with the first interrupter and is further configured to operate the first interrupter in the first coupled state to provide the oscillating reference signal to the wall connector.

14. The power distribution system according to claim 12, wherein the first interrupter is configured to operate in the first decoupled state in response to operation of the main interrupt in the live state.

15. The power distribution system according to claim 10, further comprising a comparison circuit in communication with the controller and operatively coupled to the monitoring interface to compare one or more parameters of the oscillating reference signal with the return reference signal.

16. The power distribution system according to claim 15, wherein the monitoring circuit further comprises a second interrupter interposed between the monitoring interface and the comparison circuit.

17. The power distribution system according to claim 16, wherein the second interrupter is configured for operation between: a second coupled state where the second interrupter disposes the monitoring interface in electrical communication with the comparison circuit for providing the return reference signal to the comparison circuit; anda second decoupled state where electrical communication between the monitoring interface and the comparison circuit is interrupted.

18. The power distribution system according to claim 17, wherein the controller is in communication with the second interrupter and is further configured to operate the second interrupter in the second coupled state to provide the return reference signal to the comparison circuit.

19. The power distribution system according to claim 17, wherein the second interrupter is configured to operate in the second decoupled state in response to operation of the main interrupt in the live state.

20. The power distribution system according to claim 1, further comprising a comparison circuit in communication with the controller and operatively coupled to the monitoring interface to compare one or more parameters of the oscillating reference signal with the return reference signal.

21. The power distribution system according to claim 20, further comprising one or more load resistors interposed between the comparison circuit and ground for applying load to at least partially condition the return reference signal.

22. The power distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the oscillating reference signal is a DC sine wave with a predetermined frequency and a predetermined amplitude.

23. The power distribution system according to claim 22, wherein the predetermined amplitude is 1 volt.

24. The power distribution system according to claim 23, wherein the DC sine wave oscillates between 4 volts and 6 volts.

25. The power distribution system according to claim 22, wherein the predetermined frequency is 150 kilohertz.

26. The power distribution system according to claim 1 , wherein the wall connector includes a wall connector terminal arranged for selective engagement with a corresponding apparatus connector terminal of the apparatus connector during operation of the apparatus connector in the connected state.

27. The power distribution system according to claim 26, wherein the monitoring interface includes a monitoring interface terminal arranged to receive the return reference signal from the apparatus connector terminal during operation of the apparatus connector in the connected state.

28. The power distribution system according to claim 27, wherein the reference signal generator is configured to provide the oscillating reference signal to the wall connector terminal; and wherein the controller is configured to compare the oscillating reference signal providedby the reference signal generator with the return reference signal received by the monitoring interface terminal.

29. The power distribution system according to claim 28, wherein the controller is configured to change operation of the main interrupt from the interrupt state to the live state to provide power from the power source across the wall connector in response to the comparison of the oscillating reference signal and the return reference signal received by the monitoring interface terminal satisfying the predetermined condition.

30. The power distribution system according to claim 1 , wherein the wall connector includes a plurality of wall connector terminals arranged for selective engagement with a corresponding plurality of apparatus connector terminals of the apparatus connector during operation of the apparatus connector in the connected state.

31. The power distribution system according to claim 30, wherein the reference signal generator is configured to provide a respective oscillating reference signal to each of the plurality of wall connector terminals.

32. The power distribution system according to claim 31, wherein the monitoring interface includes a plurality of monitoring interface terminals; and wherein each of the monitoring interface terminals is arranged to receive a respective return reference signal from a respective one of the plurality of apparatus connector terminals during operation of the apparatus connector in the connected state.

33. The power distribution system according to claim 32, wherein the controller is configured to compare the respective oscillating reference signal provided to each of the plurality of wall connector terminals with the respective return reference signal received by each of the corresponding monitoring interface terminals.

34. The power distribution system according to claim 33, wherein the controller is configured to change operation of the main interrupt from the interrupt state to the live state to provide power from the power source across the wall connector in response to each comparison of the respective oscillating reference signal and the respective return reference signal satisfying the predetermined condition.

35. The power distribution system according to claim 30, wherein the plurality of wall connector terminals includes: a wall connector line terminal arranged for selective engagement with a corresponding apparatus connector line terminal of the apparatus connector during operation of the apparatus connector in the connected state; a wall connector neutral terminal arranged for selective engagement with a correspondingapparatus connector neutral terminal of the apparatus connector during operation of the apparatus connector in the connected state; and a wall connector ground terminal arranged for selective engagement with a corresponding apparatus connector ground terminal of the apparatus connector during operation of the apparatus connector in the connected state.

36. The power distribution system according to claim 35, wherein the power source interface is includes a plurality of power source conductors including: a power source line conductor operatively coupled to the wall connector line terminal and configured to be coupled with a line terminal of the power source; a power source neutral conductor operatively coupled to the wall connector neutral terminal and configured to be coupled with a neutral terminal of the power source; and a power source ground conductor operatively coupled to the wall connector ground terminal and configured to be coupled with a ground terminal of the power source.

37. The power distribution system according to claim 36, wherein the main interrupt includes a plurality of main interrupts including: a main line interrupt interposed between the power source line conductor and the wall connector line terminal; and a main neutral interrupt interposed between the power source neutral conductor and the wall connector neutral terminal; wherein each of the main line interrupt and the main neutral interrupt are configured for operation between the live state and the interrupt state.

38. The power distribution system according to claim 37, wherein the plurality of main interrupts further includes a main ground interrupt interposed between the power source ground conductor and the wall connector ground terminal, wherein the main ground interrupt is configured for operation between the live state and the interrupt state.

39. The power distribution system according to claim 30, wherein the plurality of wall connector terminals includes one or more wall connector data terminals arranged for selective engagement with a corresponding one or more apparatus connector data terminals of the apparatus connector during operation of the apparatus connector in the connected state to transmit data between the wall connector and the apparatus connector.

40. The power distribution system according to claim 1, further comprising a return detection circuit in communication with the main interrupt and the monitoring interface, wherein the return detection circuit is configured to operate the main intermpt in the interrapt state in response to an absence of power detected at the monitoring interface.

41. The power distribution system according to claim 1, further comprising a temperature sensor arranged for thermal communication with at least one of a housing of the power distribution system, the wall connector, and the apparatus connector in the connected state, and wherein the main intermpt is configured to operate in the intermpt state where a temperature measured by the temperature sensor exceeds a threshold temperature value.

42. The power distribution system according to claim 1, further comprising a fault interrupt interposed between the power source interface and the main intermpt and configured to intermpt electrical communication between the power source interface and the main intermpt in response to a fault condition being satisfied.

43. The power distribution system according to claim 42, further comprising a temperature sensor arranged for thermal communication with at least one of a housing of the power distribution system, the wall connector, and the apparatus connector in the connected state, and wherein the fault condition is satisfied where a temperature measured by the temperature sensor exceeds a threshold temperature value.

44. The power distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the power source interface is configured to receive AC power from the power source such that the wall connector is configured to provide AC power to the apparatus connector during operation of the main interrupt in the live state.

45. A patient support system configured to be coupled to a power source of a facility, the patient support system comprising: a patient support apparatus including one or more powered devices for facilitating patient care; a connector system including: a wall connector; and an apparatus connector operatively coupled to the patient support apparatus and arranged for selective engagement with the wall connector during operation of the connector system in a connected state; and a power distribution system including: a power source interface operatively connected to the wall connector and configured to be coupled with the power source of the facility; a main intermpt interposed between the power source interface and the wall connector, the main interrupt configured for operation between: a live state where the power source interface is disposed in electrical communication with the wall connector for providing power from the powersource across the connector system to the patient support apparatus, and an interrupt state where electrical communication between the power source interface and the wall connector is interrupted; a monitoring circuit including: a reference signal generator configured to provide an oscillating reference signal to the wall connector; and a monitoring interface arranged to receive a return reference signal from the apparatus connector during operation in the connected state; and a controller in communication with the main interrupt and the monitoring circuit, wherein the controller is configured to: operate the main interrupt in the interrupt state in response to the connector system moving out of the connected state; and execute an initialization routine in response to the connector system entering the connected state to evaluate the quality of the connection between the wall connector and the apparatus connector, the initialization routine including: comparing the oscillating reference signal provided by the reference signal generator with the return reference signal received by the monitoring interface; and changing operation of the main interrupt from the interrupt state to the live state to provide power from the power source across the connector system to the patient support apparatus in response to the comparison satisfying a predetermined condition.

46. The patient support system according to claim 45, wherein the predetermined condition is satisfied where a comparison of one or more parameters of the oscillating reference signal and the return reference signal are below a threshold difference.

47. The patient support system according to claim 46, wherein the oscillating reference signal defines a reference voltage and the return reference signal defines a return voltage; wherein the one or more parameters includes a voltage difference between reference voltage and the return voltage; and wherein the predetermined condition is satisfied where the voltage difference is below a threshold voltage difference.

48. The patient support system according to claim 47, wherein the predetermined condition is satisfied where the voltage difference is below the threshold voltage difference for a predetermined period of time.

49. The patient support system according to claim 46, wherein the oscillating reference signal defines a reference phase and the return reference signal defines a return phase; wherein the one or more parameters includes a phase difference between reference phase and the return phase; and wherein the predetermined condition is satisfied where the phase difference is below a threshold phase difference.

50. The patient support system according to claim 49, wherein the predetermined condition is satisfied where the phase difference is below the threshold phase difference for a predetermined period of time.

51. The patient support system according to claim 46, wherein the oscillating reference signal defines a reference voltage and a reference phase, and the return reference signal defines a return voltage and a return phase; wherein the one or more parameters includes: a voltage difference between reference voltage and the return voltage, and a phase difference between reference phase and the return phase; and wherein the predetermined condition is satisfied where the both the voltage difference is below a threshold voltage difference and the phase difference is below a threshold phase difference.

52. The patient support system according to claim 51, wherein the predetermined condition is satisfied where both the voltage difference is below a threshold voltage difference for a predetermined period of time and the phase difference is below a threshold phase difference for a predetermined period of time.

53. The patient support system according to claim 51, wherein the controller is configured to inhibit the main interrupt from being operated in the live state in response to at least one of: the voltage difference exceeding the threshold voltage difference; and the phase difference exceeding the threshold phase difference.

54. The patient support system according to claim 45, wherein the monitoring circuit further comprises one or more interrupters for isolating the monitoring circuit from the power source interface during operation of the main interrupt in the live state.

55. The patient support system according to claim 54, wherein the one or more interrupters includes a first interrupter interposed between the reference signal generator and the wall connector.

56. The patient support system according to claim 55, wherein the first interrupter is configured for operation between:a first coupled state where the first interrupter disposes the reference signal generator in electrical communication with the wall connector for providing the oscillating reference signal to the wall connector; and a first decoupled state where electrical communication between the reference signal generator and the wall connector is interrupted.

57. The patient support system according to claim 56, wherein the controller is in communication with the first interrupter and is further configured to operate the first interrupter in the first coupled state to provide the oscillating reference signal to the wall connector.

58. The patient support system according to claim 56, wherein the first interrupter is configured to operate in the first decoupled state in response to operation of the main interrupt in the live state.

59. The patient support system according to claim 54, wherein the power distribution system further comprises a comparison circuit in communication with the controller and operatively coupled to the monitoring interface to compare one or more parameters of the oscillating reference signal with the return reference signal.

60. The patient support system according to claim 59, wherein the monitoring circuit further comprises a second interrupter interposed between the monitoring interface and the comparison circuit.

61. The patient support system according to claim 60, wherein the second interrupter is configured for operation between: a second coupled state where the second interrupter disposes the monitoring interface in electrical communication with the comparison circuit for providing the return reference signal to the comparison circuit; and a second decoupled state where electrical communication between the monitoring interface and the comparison circuit is interrupted.

62. The patient support system according to claim 61 , wherein the controller is in communication with the second interrupter and is further configured to operate the second interrupter in the second coupled state to provide the return reference signal to the comparison circuit.

63. The patient support system according to claim 61 , wherein the second interrupter is configured to operate in the second decoupled state in response to operation of the main interrapt in the live state.

64. The patient support system according to claim 45, wherein the power distribution system further comprises a comparison circuit in communication with the controller and operatively coupled to the monitoring interface to compare one or more parameters of the oscillating reference signal with the return reference signal.

65. The patient support system according to claim 64, wherein the power distribution system further comprises one or more load resistors interposed between the comparison circuit and ground for applying load to at least partially condition the return reference signal.

66. The patient support system according to claim 45, wherein the oscillating reference signal is a DC sine wave with a predetermined frequency and a predetermined amplitude.

67. The patient support system according to claim 66, wherein the predetermined amplitude is 1 volt.

68. The patient support system according to claim 67, wherein the DC sine wave oscillates between 4 volts and 6 volts.

69. The patient support system according to claim 66, wherein the predetermined frequency is 150 kilohertz.

70. The patient support system according to claim 45, wherein the wall connector includes a wall connector terminal, and the apparatus connector includes a corresponding apparatus connector terminal arranged for selective engagement with the wall connector terminal during operation of the connector system in the connected state.

71. The patient support system according to claim 70, wherein the monitoring interface includes a monitoring interface terminal arranged to receive the return reference signal from the apparatus connector terminal during operation of the connector system in the connected state.

72. The patient support system according to claim 71, wherein the reference signal generator is configured to provide the oscillating reference signal to the wall connector terminal; and wherein the controller is configured to compare the oscillating reference signal provided by the reference signal generator with the return reference signal received by the monitoring interface terminal.

73. The patient support system according to claim 72, wherein the controller is configured to change operation of the main interrupt from the interrupt state to the live state to provide power from the power source across the connector system to the patient support apparatus in response to the comparison of the oscillating reference signal and the return reference signal received by the monitoring interface terminal satisfying the predetermined condition.

74. The patient support system according to claim 45, wherein the wall connector includes a plurality of wall connector terminals, and the apparatus connector includes a corresponding plurality of apparatus connector terminals, with each of the plurality of apparatus connector terminals arranged for selective engagement with a respective one of the plurality of wall connector terminals during operation of the connector system in the connected state.

75. The patient support system according to claim 74, wherein the reference signal generator isconfigured to provide a respective oscillating reference signal to each of the plurality of wall connector terminals.

76. The patient support system according to claim 75, wherein the monitoring interface includes a plurality of monitoring interface terminals; and wherein each of the monitoring interface terminals is arranged to receive a respective return reference signal from a respective one of the plurality of apparatus connector terminals during operation of the connector system in the connected state.

77. The patient support system according to claim 76, wherein the controller is configured to compare the respective oscillating reference signal provided to each of the plurality of wall connector terminals with the respective return reference signal received by each of the corresponding monitoring interface terminals.

78. The patient support system according to claim 68, wherein the controller is configured to change operation of the main interrupt from the interrupt state to the live state to provide power from the power source across the connector system to the patient support apparatus in response to each comparison of the respective oscillating reference signal and the respective return reference signal satisfying the predetermined condition.

79. The patient support system according to claim 74, wherein the plurality of wall connector terminals includes a wall connector line terminal, a wall connector neutral terminal, and a wall connector ground terminal; and wherein the plurality of apparatus connector terminals includes: an apparatus connector line terminal arranged for selective engagement with the wall connector line terminal during operation of the connector system in the connected state; an apparatus connector neutral terminal arranged for selective engagement with the wall connector neutral terminal during operation of the connector system in the connected state; and an apparatus connector ground terminal arranged for selective engagement with the wall connector ground terminal during operation of the connector system in the connected state.

80. The patient support system according to claim 79, wherein the power source interface is further defined as a plurality of power source interfaces including: a power source line conductor operatively coupled to the wall connector line terminal and configured to be coupled with a line terminal of the power source of the facility; a power source neutral conductor operatively coupled to the wall connector neutralterminal and configured to be coupled with a neutral terminal of the power source of the facility; and a power source ground conductor operatively coupled to the wall connector ground terminal and configured to be coupled with a ground terminal of the power source of the facility.

81. The patient support system according to claim 80, wherein the main interrupt is further defined as a plurality of main interrupts including: a main line interrupt interposed between the power source line conductor and the wall connector line terminal; and a main neutral interrupt interposed between the power source neutral conductor and the wall connector neutral terminal; wherein each of the main line interrupt and the main neutral interrupt are configured for operation between the live state and the interrupt state.

82. The patient support system according to claim 81, wherein the plurality of main interrupts further includes a main ground interrupt interposed between the power source ground conductor and the wall connector ground terminal, wherein the main ground interrupt is configured for operation between the live state and the interrupt state.

83. The patient support system according to claim 74, wherein the plurality of wall connector terminals further includes one or more wall connector data terminals; and wherein the apparatus connector further includes a corresponding one or more apparatus connector data terminals each arranged for selective engagement with a respective one of the one or more wall connector data terminals during operation of the connector system in the connected state to transmit data across the connector system.

84. The patient support system according to claim 45, wherein the power distribution system further comprises a return detection circuit in communication with the main interrupt and the monitoring interface; and wherein the return detection circuit is configured to operate the main interrupt in the interrupt state in response to an absence of power detected at the monitoring interface.

85. The patient support system according to claim 45, further comprising a temperature sensor arranged for thermal communication with at least one of the power distribution system and the connector system, and wherein the main interrupt is configured to operate in the interrupt state where a temperature measured by the temperature sensor exceeds a threshold temperature value.

86. The patient support system according to claim 45, wherein the power distribution system further comprising a fault interrupt interposed between the power source interface and the main interrupt and configured to interrupt electrical communication between the power source interfaceand the main interrupt in response to a fault condition being satisfied.

87. The patient support system according to claim 86, further comprising a temperature sensor arranged for thermal communication with at least one of the power distribution system and the connector system, and wherein the fault condition is satisfied where a temperature measured by the temperature sensor exceeds a threshold temperature value.

88. The patient support system according to claim 45, wherein the power source interface is configured to receive AC power from the power source such that the wall connector is configured to provide AC power to the apparatus connector during operation of the main interrupt in the live state.

89. The patient support system according to claim 45, wherein the wall connector includes a wall connector interface coupled with the main interrupt for providing power from the power source and the oscillating reference signal from the reference signal generator to the apparatus connector during operation of the connector system in the connected state; and wherein the monitoring interface supported by the wall connector and arranged to receive the return reference signal from the apparatus connector during operation of the connector system in the connected state.

90. The patient support system according to claim 89, wherein the apparatus connector further includes: an apparatus connector interface arranged for selective engagement with wall connector interface during operation of the connector system in the connected state; and a return interface in communication with the apparatus connector interface and arranged for selective engagement with the monitoring interface of the wall connector during operation of the connector system in the connected state for providing the return reference signal to the monitoring interface.

91. The patient support system according to claim 90, wherein the monitoring interface includes a plurality of monitoring interface terminals; and wherein the return interface includes a corresponding plurality of return interface terminals each arranged for selective engagement with a respective one of the plurality of monitoring interface terminals during operation of the connector system in the connected state to provide the return reference signal to the monitoring interface.

92. The patient support system according to claim 91, wherein the apparatus connector interface includes a plurality of apparatus connector terminals including: an apparatus connector line terminal arranged for selective engagement with a corresponding wall connector line terminal of the wall connector in the connected state;an apparatus connector neutral terminal arranged for selective engagement with a corresponding wall connector neutral terminal of the wall connector in the connected state; and an apparatus connector ground terminal arranged for selective engagement with a corresponding wall connector ground terminal of the wall connector in the connected state.

93. The patient support system according to claim 92, wherein the plurality of return interface terminals includes: a first return interface line terminal in communication with the apparatus connector line terminal and arranged for selective engagement with a corresponding first monitoring interface line terminal of the monitoring interface in the connected state to provide the return reference signal to the monitoring interface; a return interface neutral terminal in communication with the apparatus connector neutral terminal and arranged for selective engagement with a corresponding monitoring interface neutral terminal of the monitoring interface in the connected state to provide the return reference signal to the monitoring interface; and a return interface ground terminal in communication with the apparatus connector ground terminal and arranged for selective engagement with a corresponding monitoring interface ground terminal of the monitoring interface in the connected state to provide the return reference signal to the monitoring interface.

94. The patient support system according to claim 93, wherein the plurality of return interface terminals further includes a second return interface line terminal in communication with the apparatus connector line terminal and arranged for selective engagement with a corresponding second monitoring interface line terminal of the monitoring interface in the connected state to provide the return reference signal to the monitoring interface.

95. The patient support system according to claim 94, wherein the power distribution system further comprises a return detection circuit in communication with the main interrupt and the first monitoring interface line terminal and the second monitoring interface line terminal of the monitoring interface; and wherein the return detection circuit is configured to operate the main interrupt in the interrapt state in response to an absence of power detected at at least one of the first monitoring interface line terminal and the second monitoring interface line terminal the monitoring interface.

96. The patient support system according to claim 45, wherein the patient support apparatus further includes a power converter for receiving power from the power source across the connector system and providing power to the one or more powered devices of the patient support apparatus.

97. The patient support system according to claim 45, wherein the patient support apparatusfurther includes an energy storage device operatively coupled to the apparatus connector for receiving and storing power received from the power source.

98. The patient support system according to claim 97, wherein the energy storage device is a battery.

99. The patient support system according to claim 97, wherein the energy storage device is configured to provide power to the one or more powered devices of the patient support apparatus during operation of the connector system in a disconnected state.

100. The patient support system according to claim 97, wherein the patient support apparatus further includes an inverter interposed between the apparatus connector and the energy storage device to condition power received by the apparatus connector from the power source for storage by the energy storage device.

101. A patient support apparatus configured to be electrically coupled with a wall connector for receiving power from a power source of a facility in a connected state, the patient support apparatus comprising: a support structure including: a base arranged for movement about a floor surface; a litter operatively attached to the base and defining a patient support surface for supporting a patient; one or more powered devices for facilitating patient care; and an apparatus connector arranged for selective engagement with the wall connector in the connected state to receive power from the power source to energize the one or more powered devices, the apparatus connector including: an apparatus connector interface arranged for selective engagement with a wall connector interface of the wall connector in the connected state to receive power from the power source of the facility and an oscillating reference signal; and a return interface in communication with the apparatus connector interface and arranged for selective engagement with a monitoring interface of the wall connector in the connected state for providing a return reference signal to the monitoring interface of the wall connector.

102. The patient support apparatus according to claim 101, wherein apparatus connector interface includes an apparatus connector terminal arranged for selective engagement with a corresponding wall connector terminal of the wall connector interface in the connected state.

103. The patient support apparatus according to claim 101, wherein the return interface includes a return interface terminal arranged for selective engagement with a monitoring interface terminalof the monitoring interface of the wall connector in the connected state to provide the return reference signal to the monitoring interface.

104. The patient support apparatus according to claim 101, wherein apparatus connector interface includes a plurality of apparatus connector terminals arranged for selective engagement with a corresponding plurality of wall connector terminals of the wall connector interface in the connected state.

105. The patient support apparatus according to claim 104, wherein the plurality of apparatus connector terminals includes: an apparatus connector line terminal arranged for selective engagement with a corresponding wall connector line terminal of the wall connector in the connected state; an apparatus connector neutral terminal arranged for selective engagement with a corresponding wall connector neutral terminal of the wall connector in the connected state; and an apparatus connector ground terminal arranged for selective engagement with a corresponding wall connector ground terminal of the wall connector in the connected state.

106. The patient support apparatus according to claim 104, wherein the plurality of apparatus connector terminals includes one or more apparatus connector data terminals arranged for selective engagement with a corresponding one or more wall connector data terminals of the wall connector in the connected state to transmit data between the apparatus connector and the wall connector.

107. The patient support apparatus according to claim 104, wherein the return interface includes a plurality of return interface terminals each arranged for selective engagement with a respective one of a corresponding plurality of monitoring interface terminals of the monitoring interface in the connected state to provide a respective return reference signal to the corresponding monitoring interface terminals of the monitoring interface.

108. The patient support apparatus according to claim 107, wherein the plurality of apparatus connector terminals includes: an apparatus connector line terminal arranged for selective engagement with a corresponding wall connector line terminal of the wall connector in the connected state; an apparatus connector neutral terminal arranged for selective engagement with a corresponding wall connector neutral terminal of the wall connector in the connected state; and an apparatus connector ground terminal arranged for selective engagement with a corresponding wall connector ground terminal of the wall connector in the connected state.

109. The patient support apparatus according to claim 108, wherein the plurality of return interface terminals includes:a first return interface line terminal in communication with the apparatus connector line terminal and arranged for selective engagement with a corresponding first monitoring interface line terminal of the monitoring interface in the connected state to provide the return reference signal to the monitoring interface; a return interface neutral terminal in communication with the apparatus connector neutral terminal and arranged for selective engagement with a corresponding monitoring interface neutral terminal of the monitoring interface in the connected state to provide the return reference signal to the monitoring interface; and a return interface ground terminal in communication with the apparatus connector ground terminal and arranged for selective engagement with a corresponding monitoring interface ground terminal of the monitoring interface in the connected state to provide the return reference signal to the monitoring interface.

110. The patient support apparatus according to claim 109, wherein the plurality of return interface terminals further includes a second return interface line terminal in communication with the apparatus connector line terminal and arranged for selective engagement with a corresponding second monitoring interface line terminal of the monitoring interface in the connected state to provide the return reference signal to the monitoring interface.

111. The patient support apparatus according to claim 101, further comprising a power converter for receiving power from the power source of the facility across the apparatus connector and providing power to the one or more powered devices.

112. The patient support apparatus according to claim 101, further comprising an energy storage device operatively coupled to the apparatus connector for receiving and storing power received from the power source.

113. The patient support apparatus according to claim 112, wherein the energy storage device is a battery.

114. The patient support apparatus according to claim 112, wherein the energy storage device is configured to provide power to the one or more powered devices of the patient support apparatus during operation of the apparatus connector in a disconnected state.

115. The patient support apparatus according to claim 112, further comprising an inverter interposed between the apparatus connector and the energy storage device to condition power received by the apparatus connector from the power source for storage by the energy storage device.

Images