The present disclosure generally relates to emergency patient transporters, and specifically to a powered ambulance cot with an automated cot control system.
There are a variety of emergency patient transporters in use today. Such emergency patient transporters may be designed to transport and load bariatric patients into an ambulance. For example, the PROFlexX® cot, by Ferno-Washington, Inc. of Wilmington, Ohio U.S.A., is one such patient transporter embodied as a manually actuated cot that may provide stability and support for loads of about 700 pounds (about 317.5 kg). The PROFlexX® cot includes a patient support portion that is attached to a wheeled undercarriage. The wheeled under carriage includes an X-frame geometry that can be transitioned between nine selectable positions. One recognized advantage of such a cot design is that the X-frame provides minimal flex and a low center of gravity at all of the selectable positions. Another recognized advantage of such a cot design is that the selectable positions may provide better leverage for manually lifting and loading bariatric patients.
Another example of an emergency patient transporter designed for bariatric patients, is the POWERFlexx+ Powered Cot, by Ferno-Washington, Inc. The POWERFlexx+ Powered Cot includes a battery powered actuator that may provide sufficient power to lift loads of about 700 pounds (about 317.5 kg). One recognized advantage of such a cot design is that the cot may lift a bariatric patient up from a low position to a higher position, i.e., an operator may have reduced situations that require lifting the patient.
A further variety of an emergency patient transporter is a multipurpose roll-in emergency cot having a patient support stretcher that is removably attached to a wheeled undercarriage or transporter. The patient support stretcher when removed for separate use from the transporter may be shuttled around horizontally upon an included set of wheels. One recognized advantage of such a cot design is that the stretcher may be separately rolled into an emergency vehicle such as station wagons, vans, modular ambulances, aircrafts, or helicopters, where space and reducing weight is a premium. Another advantage of such a cot design is that the separated stretcher may be more easily carried over uneven terrain and out of locations where it is impractical to use a complete cot to transfer a patient. Example of such cots can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,037,871, 4,921,295, and International Publication No. WO2001/070161.
Although the foregoing emergency patient transporters have been generally adequate for their intended purposes, they have not been satisfactory in all aspects. For example, the foregoing emergency patient transporters are loaded into ambulances according to loading processes that require at least one operator to support the load of the cot for a portion of the respective loading process.
The embodiments described herein are directed to a powered ambulance cot with an automated cot control system which provides improved versatility to multipurpose roll-in emergency cot designs by providing improved management of the cot weight, improved balance, and/or easier loading at any cot height, while being loaded via rolling into various types of rescue vehicles, such as ambulances, vans, station wagons, aircrafts and helicopters.
These and additional features provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure will be more fully understood in view of the following detailed description, in conjunction with the drawings.
The following detailed description of specific embodiments of the present disclosures can be best understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, where like structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which:
The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative in nature and not intended to be limiting of the embodiments described herein. Moreover, individual features of the drawings and embodiments will be more fully apparent and understood in view of the detailed description.
Referring to
Referring to
Referring collectively to
Referring again to
In specific embodiments, the loading end legs 20 and the control end legs 40 may each be coupled to the lateral side members 15. As shown in
In one embodiment, the front wheels 26 and back wheels 46 may be swivel caster wheels or swivel locked wheels. As the cot 10 is raised and/or lowered, the front wheels 26 and back wheels 46 may be synchronized to ensure that the plane of the lateral side members 15 of the cot 10 and the plane of the wheels 26, 46 are substantially parallel.
Referring to
The front actuator 16 is coupled to the support frame 12 and configured to actuate the loading end legs 20 and raise and/or lower the front end 17 of the cot 10. Additionally, the back actuator 18 is coupled to the support frame 12 and configured to actuate the control end legs 40 and raise and/or lower the back end 19 of the cot 10. The cot 10 may be powered by any suitable power source. For example, the cot 10 may comprise a battery capable of supplying a voltage of, such as, about 24 V nominal or about 32 V nominal for its power source.
The front actuator 16 and the back actuator 18 are operable to actuate the loading end legs 20 and control end legs 40, simultaneously or independently. As shown in
In one embodiment, schematically depicted in
Referring to
Each vertical member 184 comprises a pair of piggy backed hydraulic cylinders (i.e., a first hydraulic cylinder and a second hydraulic cylinder or a third hydraulic cylinder and a fourth hydraulic cylinder) wherein the first cylinder extends a rod in a first direction and the second cylinder extends a rod in a substantially opposite direction. When the cylinders are arranged in one master-slave configuration, one of the vertical members 184 comprises an upper master cylinder 168 and a lower master cylinder 268. The other of the vertical members 184 comprises an upper slave cylinder 169 and a lower slave cylinder 269. It is noted that, while master cylinders 168, 268 are piggy backed together and extend rods 165, 265 in substantially opposite directions, master cylinders 168, 268 may be located in alternate vertical members 184 and/or extend rods 165, 265 in substantially the same direction.
Referring now to
Similarly, a lower piston 264 can be confined within the lower cylinder 268 and can be configured to travel throughout the lower piston 264 when acted upon by hydraulic fluid. The lower rod 265 can be coupled to the lower piston 264 and move with the lower piston 264. The lower cylinder 268 can be in fluidic communication with a rod extending fluid path 314 and a rod retracting fluid path 324 on opposing sides of the lower piston 264. Accordingly, when the hydraulic fluid is supplied with greater pressure via the rod extending fluid path 314 than the rod retracting fluid path 324, the lower piston 264 can extend and can urge fluid out of the lower piston 264 via the rod retracting fluid path 324. When the hydraulic fluid is supplied with greater pressure via the rod retracting fluid path 324 than the rod extending fluid path 314, the lower piston 264 can retract and can urge fluid out of the lower piston 264 via the rod extending fluid path 314.
In some embodiments, the hydraulic actuator 120 actuates the upper rod 165 and the lower rod 265 in a self-balancing manner to allow the upper rod 165 and the lower rod 265 to extend and retract at different rates. It has been discovered by the applicants that the hydraulic actuator 120 can extend and retract with greater reliability and speed when the upper rod 165 and the lower rod 265 self-balance. Without being bound to theory, it is believed that the differential rate of actuation of the upper rod 165 and the lower rod 265 allows the hydraulic actuator 120 to respond dynamically to a variety of loading conditions. For example, the rod extending fluid path 312 and the rod extending fluid path 314 can be in direct fluid communication with one another without any pressure regulating device disposed there between. Similarly, the rod retracting fluid path 322 and the rod retracting fluid path 324 can be in direct fluid communication with one another without any pressure regulating device disposed there between. Accordingly, when hydraulic fluid is urged through the rod extending fluid path 312 and the rod extending fluid path 314, contemporaneously, the upper rod 165 and the lower rod 265 can extend differentially depending upon difference in the resistive forces acting upon each of the upper rod 165 and the lower rod 265 such as, for example, applied load, displaced volume, linkage motion, or the like. Similarly, when hydraulic fluid is urged through the rod retracting fluid path 322 and the rod retracting fluid path 324, contemporaneously, the upper rod 165 and the lower rod 265 can retract differentially depending upon the difference in resistive forces acting upon each the upper rod 165 and the lower rod 265.
Referring still to
Referring to
The pump extend fluid path 326 can comprise a check valve 332 that is configured to prevent hydraulic fluid from flowing from the extending fluid path 310 to the pump motor 160 and allow hydraulic fluid to flow from the pump motor 160 to the extending fluid path 310. Accordingly, the pump motor 160 can urge hydraulic fluid through the extending path into the rod extending fluid path 312 and the rod extending fluid path 314. Hydraulic fluid can flow along the extending route 360 into the upper cylinder 168 and the lower cylinder 268. Hydraulic fluid flowing into the upper cylinder 168 and the lower cylinder 268 can cause hydraulic fluid to flow into the rod retracting fluid path 322 and the rod retracting fluid path 324 as the upper rod 165 and the lower rod 265 extend. Hydraulic fluid can then flow along the extending route 360 into the retracting fluid path 320.
The hydraulic circuit 300 can further comprise an extending return fluid path 306 in fluidic communication with each of the retracting fluid path 320 and the fluid reservoir 162. In some embodiments, the extending return fluid path 306 can comprise a counterbalance valve 334 configured to allow hydraulic fluid to flow from the fluid reservoir 162 to the retracting fluid path 320, and prevent hydraulic fluid from flowing from the retracting fluid path 320 to the fluid reservoir 162, unless an appropriate pressure is received via a pilot line 328. The pilot line 328 can be in fluidic communication with both the pump extend fluid path 326 and the counterbalance valve 334. Accordingly, when the pump motor 160 pumps hydraulic fluid through pump extend fluid path 326, the pilot line 328 can cause the counterbalance valve 334 to modulate and allow hydraulic fluid to flow from the retracting fluid path 320 to the fluid reservoir 162.
Optionally, the extending return fluid path 306 can comprise a check valve 346 that is configured to prevent hydraulic fluid from flowing from the fluid reservoir 162 to the retracting fluid path 320 and allow hydraulic fluid to flow from the extending return fluid path 306 to the fluid reservoir 162. Accordingly, the pump motor 160 can urge hydraulic fluid through the retracting fluid path 320 to the fluid reservoir 162. In some embodiments, a relatively large amount of pressure can be required to open the check valve 332 compared to the relatively low amount of pressure required to open the check valve 346. In further embodiments, the relatively large amount of pressure required to open the check valve 332 can be more than about double the relatively low amount of pressure required to open the check valve 346 such as, for example, about 3 times the pressure or more in another embodiment, or about 5 times the pressure or more in yet another embodiment.
In some embodiments, the hydraulic circuit 300 can further comprise a regeneration fluid path 350 that is configured to allow hydraulic fluid to flow directly from the retracting fluid path 320 to the extending fluid path 310. Accordingly, the regeneration fluid path 350 can allow hydraulic fluid supplied from the rod retracting fluid path 322 and the rod retracting fluid path 324 to flow along a regeneration route 362 towards the rod extending fluid path 312 and the rod extending fluid path 314. In further embodiments, the regeneration fluid path 350 can comprise a logical valve 352 that is configured to selectively allow hydraulic fluid to travel along the regeneration route 362. The logical valve 352 can be communicatively coupled to a processor or sensor and configured to open when the cot is in a predetermined state. For example, when the hydraulic actuator 120 that is associated with a leg is in a second position relative to a first position, which, as described herein, can indicate an unloaded state, the logical valve 352 can be opened. It can be desirable to open the logical valve 352 during the extension of the hydraulic actuator 120 to increase the speed of extension. The regeneration fluid path 350 can further comprise a check valve 354 that is configured to prevent hydraulic fluid from flowing from the retracting fluid path 320 to the extending fluid path 310. In some embodiments, the amount of pressure required to open the check valve 332 is about the same as the amount of pressure required to open the check valve 354.
Referring to
Hydraulic fluid can flow along the retracting route 364 into the upper cylinder 168 and the lower cylinder 268. Hydraulic fluid flowing into the upper cylinder 168 and the lower cylinder 268 can cause hydraulic fluid to flow into the rod extending fluid path 312 and the rod extending fluid path 314 as the upper rod 165 and the lower rod 265 retract. Hydraulic fluid can then flow along the retracting route 364 into the extending fluid path 310.
The hydraulic circuit 300 can further comprise a retracting return fluid path 308 in fluidic communication with each of the extending fluid path 310 and the fluid reservoir 162. In some embodiments, the retracting return fluid path 308 can comprise a counterbalance valve 336 configured to allow hydraulic fluid to flow from the fluid reservoir 162 to the extending fluid path 310, and prevent hydraulic fluid from flowing from the extending fluid path 310 to the fluid reservoir 162, unless an appropriate pressure is received via a pilot line 318. The pilot line 318 can be in fluidic communication with both the pump retract fluid path 316 and the counterbalance valve 336. Accordingly, when the pump motor 160 pumps hydraulic fluid through the pump retract fluid path 316, the pilot line 318 can cause the counterbalance valve 336 to modulate and allow hydraulic fluid to flow from the extending fluid path 310 to the fluid reservoir 162.
Referring collectively to
The manual retract return fluid path 372 can be configured to return hydraulic fluid from the upper cylinder and the lower cylinder 268 to the fluid reservoir 162, back to the upper cylinder 168 and the lower cylinder 268, or both. In some embodiments, the manual retract return fluid path 372 can be in fluidic communication with the extending fluid path 310 and the extending return fluid path 306. The manual retract return fluid path 372 can comprise a manual valve 342 that can be actuated from a normally closed position to an open position and a flow regulator 344 configured to limit the amount of hydraulic fluid that can flow through the manual retract return fluid path 372, i.e., volume per unit time. Accordingly, the flow regulator 344 can be utilized to provide a controlled descent of the cot 10. It is noted that, while the flow regulator 344 is depicted in
The manual extend return fluid path 374 can be configured to return hydraulic fluid from the upper cylinder 168 and the lower cylinder 268 to the fluid reservoir 162, back to the upper cylinder 168 and the lower cylinder 268, or both. In some embodiments, the manual extend return fluid path 374 can be in fluidic communication with the retracting fluid path 320, the manual retract return fluid path 372 and the extending return fluid path 306. The manual extend return fluid path 374 can comprise a manual valve 343 that can be actuated from a normally closed position to an open position.
In some embodiments, the hydraulic circuit 300 can also comprise a manual release component (e.g., a button, tension member, switch, linkage or lever) that actuates the manual valve 342 and manual valve 343 to allow the upper rod 165 and the lower rod 265 to extend and retract without the use of the pump motor 160. Referring to the embodiments of
Hydraulic fluid can also travel through the manual extend return fluid path 374 towards the extending return fluid path 306 and the manual retract return fluid path 372. Depending upon the rate of extension of the upper rod 165 and the lower rod 265, or applied force, hydraulic fluid can flow through the extending return fluid path 306, beyond the check valve 346 and into the fluid reservoir 162. Hydraulic fluid can also flow through the manual retract return fluid path 372 towards the extending fluid path 310. Hydraulic fluid can also be supplied from the fluid reservoir 162 via the manual supply fluid path 370 to the extending fluid path 310, i.e., when the manual operation generates sufficient pressure for the hydraulic fluid to flow beyond check valve 348. Hydraulic fluid at the extending fluid path 310 can flow to the rod extending fluid path 312 and the rod extending fluid path 314. The manual extension of the upper rod 165 and the lower rod 265 can cause hydraulic fluid to flow into the upper cylinder 168 and the lower cylinder 268 from the rod extending fluid path 312 and the rod extending fluid path 314.
Referring again to
Hydraulic fluid can also travel through the manual retract return fluid path 372 towards the flow regulator 344, which operates to limit the rate at which the hydraulic fluid can flow and the rate at which the upper rod 165 and the lower rod 265 can retract. Hydraulic fluid can then flow towards the manual extend return fluid path 374. The hydraulic fluid can then flow through the manual extend return fluid path 374 and into the retracting fluid path 320. Depending upon the rate of retraction of the upper rod 165 and the lower rod 265 and the permissible flow rate of the flow regulator 344, some hydraulic fluid may leak beyond the check valve 346 and into the fluid reservoir 162. In some embodiments, the rate of permissible flow rate of the flow regulator 344 and the opening pressure of the check valve 346 can be configured to substantially prevent hydraulic fluid from flowing beyond the check valve 346 during manual retraction. It has been discovered by the applicants that prohibiting flow beyond the check valve 346 can ensure that the upper cylinder 168 and the lower cylinder 268 remain primed with reduced air infiltration during manual retraction.
Hydraulic fluid at the retracting fluid path 320 can flow to the rod retracting fluid path 322 and the rod retracting fluid path 324. The manual retraction of the upper rod 165 and the lower rod 265 can cause hydraulic fluid to flow into the upper cylinder 168 and the lower cylinder 268 from the rod retracting fluid path 322 and the rod retracting fluid path 324. It is noted that, while the manual embodiments described with respect to
Referring again to
Referring now to
The one or more processors 100 can be communicatively coupled to one or more memory modules 102, which can be any device capable of storing machine readable instructions. The one or more memory modules 102 can include any type of memory such as, for example, read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), secondary memory (e.g., hard drive), or combinations thereof. Suitable examples of ROM include, but are not limited to, programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), electrically alterable read-only memory (EAROM), flash memory, or combinations thereof. Suitable examples of RAM include, but are not limited to, static RAM (SRAM) or dynamic RAM (DRAM).
The embodiments described herein can perform methods automatically by executing machine readable instructions with the one or more processors 100. The machine readable instructions can comprise logic or algorithm(s) written in any programming language of any generation (e.g., 1GL, 2GL, 3GL, 4GL, or 5GL) such as, for example, machine language that may be directly executed by the processor, or assembly language, object-oriented programming (OOP), scripting languages, microcode, etc., that may be compiled or assembled into machine readable instructions and stored. Alternatively, the machine readable instructions may be written in a hardware description language (HDL), such as logic implemented via either a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) configuration or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or their equivalents. Accordingly, the methods described herein may be implemented in any conventional computer programming language, as pre-programmed hardware elements, or as a combination of hardware and software components.
Referring collectively to
Referring collectively to
Additionally, it is noted that distance sensors may be coupled to any portion of the cot 10 such that the distance between a lower surface and components such as, for example, the front end 17, the back end 19, the front load wheels 70, the front wheels 26, the intermediate load wheels 30, the back wheels 46, the front actuator 16 or the back actuator 18 may be determined
Referring collectively to
The loading end legs 20 may comprise intermediate load wheels 30 attached to the loading end legs 20. In one embodiment, the intermediate load wheels 30 may be disposed on the loading end legs 20 adjacent a front cross beam 22 (
The cot 10 may comprise a back actuator sensor 78 communicatively coupled to the one or more processors 100. The back actuator sensor 78 is a distance sensor operable to detect the distance between the back actuator 18 and the loading surface. In one embodiment, back actuator sensor 78 is operable to detect directly or indirectly the distance from the back actuator 18 to a surface substantially directly beneath the back actuator 18, when the control end legs 40 are substantially fully retracted (
Referring still to
In some embodiments, the front drive light 86, the back drive light 88 and the surround lights 89 define together a safety lighting system of the cot 10. In such a safety lighting system of the cot 10, the front drive light 86, the back drive light 88 and the surround lights 89 are either on or off at the same time, and can be controlled by two buttons, such as provided in the button array 52, which each define a different illumination pattern. For example, one of the buttons in the button array 52 can define a “Scene” light pattern in which the front drive light 86, the back drive light 88 and the surround lights 89 turn on/off when pressed, and in which the surround lights 89 illuminate with steady white light when on. Another one of the buttons in the button array 52 can define an “Emergency” light pattern in which the front drive light 86, the back drive light 88 and the surround lights 89 turn on/off when pressed, and in which the surround lights 89 illuminate with flash in a sequence of red-red-white light when on.
Referring collectively to
The back end 19 may comprise operator controls 57 for the cot 10. As used herein, the operator controls 57 comprise the input components that receive commands from the operator and the output components that provide indications to the operator. Accordingly, the operator can utilize the operator controls in the loading and unloading of the cot 10 by controlling the movement of the loading end legs 20, the control end legs 40, and the support frame 12. The operator controls 57 may include the control box 50 disposed on the back end 19 of the cot 10. For example, the control box 50 can be communicatively coupled to the one or more processors 100, which is in turn communicatively coupled to the front actuator 16 and the back actuator 18. The control box 50 can comprise a visual display component or graphical user interface (GUI) 58 configured to inform an operator whether the front and back actuators 16, 18 are activated or deactivated. The visual display component or GUI 58 can comprise any device capable of emitting an image such as, for example, a liquid crystal display, a touch screen, or the like.
Referring collectively to
In some embodiments, the operator controls 57 can be located on the back end 19 of the cot 10. For example, the operator controls 57 can comprise a button array 52 located adjacent to and beneath the visual display component or GUI 58. The button array 52 can comprise a plurality of buttons used, for example and not limited thereby, to turn on/off lights and lighting modes, e.g., scene lights, emergency lights, etc., to select a particular mode of operation for the cot e.g., one of a number of “Direct Power” modes explained hereafter in later sections, and to select a pre-determined positioning/arrangement of the cot e.g., a “Chair Position” that is automatically configured upon pressing of the associated button and which is explained hereafter in later sections. Each button of the button array 52 can comprise an optical element (i.e., an LED) that can emit visible wavelengths of optical energy when the button is activated. Alternatively or additionally, the operator controls 57 can comprise a button array 52 located adjacent to and above the visual display component or GUI 58. It is noted that, while each button array 52 is depicted as consisting of four buttons, the button array 52 can comprise any number of buttons. Moreover, the operator controls 57 can comprise a concentric button array 54 (
The operator controls 57 can further comprise a raise button 56 operable to receive input indicative of a desire to raise (“+”) the cot 10 and a lower button 60 operable to receive input indicative of a desire to lower (“−”) the cot 10. It is to be appreciated that in other embodiments the raising and/or lowering commanding function can be assigned to other buttons, such as ones of the button arrays 52 and/or 54, in addition to buttons 56, 60. As is explained in greater detail herein, each of the raise button 56 and the lower button 60 can generate signals that actuate the loading end legs 20, the control end legs 40, or both in order to perform cot functions. The cot functions may require the loading end legs 20, the control end legs 40, or both to be raised, lowered, retracted or released depending on the position and orientation of the cot 10. In some embodiments, each of the lower button 60 and the raise button 56 can be analog (i.e., the pressure and/or displacement of the button can be proportional to a parameter of the control signal). Accordingly, the speed of actuation of the loading end legs 20, the control end legs 40, or both can be proportional to the parameter of the control signal. Alternatively or additionally, each of the lower button 60 and the raise button 56 can be backlit.
In the illustrated embodiment of
Turning now to embodiments of the cot 10 being simultaneously actuated, the cot 10 of
Referring collectively to
The embodiments described herein may be utilized to lift a patient from a position below a vehicle in preparation for loading a patient into the vehicle (e.g., from the ground to above a loading surface of an ambulance). Specifically, the cot 10 may be raised from the lowest transport position (
The cot 10 may be lowered from an intermediate transport position (
In one embodiment, when the cot 10 is in the highest transport position (
In another embodiment, any time the cot 10 is raised over the highest transport position for a set period of time (e.g., 30 seconds), the control box 50 provides an indication that the cot 10 has exceeded the highest transport position and the cot 10 needs to be lowered. The indication may be visual, audible, electronic or combinations thereof.
When the cot 10 is in the lowest transport position (
The front actuator 16 is operable to raise or lower a front end 17 of the support frame 12 independently of the back actuator 18. The back actuator 18 is operable to raise or lower a back end 19 of the support frame 12 independently of the front actuator 16. By raising the front end 17 or back end 19 independently, the cot 10 is able to maintain the support frame 12 level or substantially level when the cot 10 is moved over uneven surfaces, for example, a staircase or hill. Specifically, if one of the front actuator 16 or the back actuator 18 is in a second position relative to a first position, the set of legs not in contact with a surface (i.e., the set of legs that is in tension, such as when the cot is being lifted at one or both ends) is activated by the cot 10 (e.g., moving the cot 10 off of a curb). Further embodiments of the cot 10 are operable to be automatically leveled. For example, if back end 19 is lower than the front end 17, pressing the “+” button 56 raises the back end 19 to level prior to raising the cot 10, and pressing the “−” button 60 lowers the front end 17 to level prior to lowering the cot 10.
In one embodiment, depicted in
Referring collectively to
As is depicted in
Referring collectively to
In further embodiments, the one or more processors 100 can monitor the back angular sensor 68 to verify that the back angle αb is changing in accordance to the actuation of the back actuator 18. In order to protect the back actuator 18, the one or more processors 100 can automatically abort the actuation of the back actuator 18 if the back angle αb is indicative of improper operation. For example, if the back angle αb fails to change for a predetermined amount of time (e.g., about 200 ms), the one or more processors 100 can automatically abort the actuation of the back actuator 18.
Referring collectively to
It is noted that, the middle portion of the cot 10 is above the loading surface 500 when any portion of the cot 10 that may act as a fulcrum is sufficiently beyond the loading edge 502 such that the control end legs 40 may be retracted a reduced amount of force is required to lift the back end 19 (e.g., less than half of the weight of the cot 10, which may be loaded, needs to be supported at the back end 19). Furthermore, it is noted that the detection of the location of the cot 10 may be accomplished by sensors located on the cot 10 and/or sensors on or adjacent to the loading surface 500. For example, an ambulance may have sensors that detect the positioning of the cot 10 with respect to the loading surface 500 and/or loading edge 502 and communications means to transmit the information to the cot 10.
Referring to
Once the cot is loaded onto the loading surface (
Referring collectively to
Referring collectively to
Referring collectively to
When a sensor detects that the loading end legs 20 are clear of the loading surface 500 (
Referring collectively to
The control signal of one or more of the operator controls 57 can be associated with the open door function. Upon receipt of the control signal associated with the open door function, the one or more processors 100 can cause the communication circuit 82 to transmit an open door signal to a vehicle within range of the open door signal. Upon receipt of the open door signal, the vehicle can open a door for receiving the cot 10. Additionally, the open door signal can be encoded to identify the cot 10 such as, for example, via classification, unique identifier or the like. In further embodiments, the control signal of one or more of the operator controls 57 can be associated with a close door function that operates analogously to the open door function and causes the door of the vehicle to close.
Referring collectively to
Referring collectively to
The control signal of one or more of the operator controls 57 can be associated with the automatic leveling function. Specifically, any of the operator controls 57 can transmit a control signal associated with enabling or disabling the automatic leveling function. Alternatively or additionally, other cot functions can selectively enable or disable the cot leveling function. When the automatic leveling function is enabled, the gravitational reference signal can be received by the one or more processors 100. The one or more processors 100 can automatically compare the gravitational reference signal to an earth reference frame indicative of earth level. Based upon the comparison, the one or more processors 100 can automatically quantify the difference between the earth reference frame and the current level of the cot 10 indicated by the gravitational reference signal. The difference can be transformed into a desired adjustment amount to level the front end 17 and the back end 19 of the cot 10 with respect to gravity. For example, the difference can be transformed into an angular adjustment to the front angle αf, the back angle αb, or both. Thus, the one or more processors 100 can automatically actuate the actuators 16, 18 until the desired amount of adjustment has been achieved, i.e., the front angular sensor 66, the back angular sensor 68, and the gravitational reference sensor 80 can be used for feedback.
Referring collectively to
The turning mechanism 90 can be operably coupled to the control shaft 116 and can be configured to propel the control shaft 116 around the rotational axis 118. The turning mechanism 90 can comprise a servomotor and an encoder. Accordingly, the turning mechanism 90 can directly actuate the control shaft 116. In some embodiments, the turning mechanism 90 can be configured to turn freely to allow the control shaft 116 to swivel around the rotational axis 118 as the cot 10 is urged into motion. Optionally, the turning mechanism 90 can be configured to lock in place and resist motion of the control shaft 116 around the rotational axis 118.
Referring collectively to
The bolt member 132 can be received with a channel formed through the linkage 27. The bolt member 132 can travel into the channel such that the bolt member 132 is free of the catch member 134 and out of the channel into an interference position within the catch member 134. The bias member 136 can bias the bolt member 132 towards the interference position. The cable 138 can be coupled to the bolt member 132 and operably engaged with the lock actuator 92 such that the lock actuator 92 can transmit a force sufficient to overcome the bias member 136 and translate the bolt member 132 from the interference position to free the bolt member 132 of the catch member 134.
In some embodiments, the catch member 134 can be formed in or coupled to the fork 121. The catch member 134 can comprise a rigid body that forms an orifice that is complimentary to the bolt member 132. Accordingly, the bolt member 132 can travel in and out of the catch member via the orifice. The rigid body can be configured to interfere with motion of the catch member 134 that is caused by motion of the control shaft 116 around the rotational axis 118. Specifically, when in the inference position, the bolt member 132 can be constrained by the rigid body of the catch member 134 such that motion of the control shaft 116 around the rotational axis 118 is substantially mitigated.
Referring collectively to
The brake pad 144 can be coupled to the brake piston 142 such that motion of the brake piston 142 towards and away from the wheel 114 causes the brake pad 144 to engage and disengage from the wheel 114. In some embodiments, the brake pad 144 can be contoured to match the shape of the portion of the wheel 114 that the brake pad 144 contacts during braking. Optionally, the contact surface of the brake pad 144 can comprise protrusions and grooves.
Referring again to
Referring collectively to
Referring collectively to
Referring now to
Referring collectively to
At process 307, the raise button 56 can be held active. In response to the control signal transmitted from the raise button 56, the one or processors can execute machine readable instructions to automatically activate the cot leveling function. Accordingly, the cot leveling (equalization) function can dynamically actuate the loading end legs 20 to adjust the front angle αf. Thus, as the cot 10 is gradually urged onto the up escalator 504, the front angle αf can be changed to keep the support frame 12 substantially level.
At process 309, the raise button 56 can be deactivated upon the back wheels 46 being loaded upon the up escalator 504. In response to the control signal transmitted from the raise button 56, the one or processors can execute machine readable instructions to automatically actuate the brake mechanism 94. Accordingly, the back wheels 46 can be locked to prevent the back wheels 46 from rolling. With the front wheels 26 and the back wheels 46 loaded upon the up escalator 504, the cot leveling function can adjust the front angle αf to match the escalator angle θ.
At process 311, the raise button 56 can be activated upon the front wheels 26 approaching the end of the up escalator 504. In response to the control signal transmitted from the raise button 56, the one or processors can execute machine readable instructions to automatically actuate the brake mechanism 94. Accordingly, the front wheels 26 can be unlocked to allow the front wheels 26 to roll. As the front wheels 26 exit the up escalator 504, the cot leveling function can adjust the front angle αf dynamically to keep the support frame 12 of the cot 10 level.
At process 313, the position of the loading end legs 20 can be determined automatically by the one or more processors 100. Accordingly, as the front end 17 of the cot 10 exits the up escalator 504, the front angle αf can reach a predetermined angle such as, but not limited to, an angle corresponding to full extension of the loading end legs 20. Upon reaching the predetermined level, the one or processors 100 can execute machine readable instructions to automatically actuate the brake mechanism 94. Accordingly, the back wheels 46 can be unlocked to allow the back wheels 46 to roll. Thus, as the back end 19 of the cot 10 reaches the end of the up escalator 504, the cot 10 can be rolled away from the up escalator 504. In some embodiments, the escalator mode can be deactivated by actuating one of the operator controls 57. Alternatively or additionally, the elevator mode can be deactivated a predetermined time period (e.g., about 15 seconds) after the back wheels 46 are unlocked.
Referring collectively to
At process 307, the lower button 60 can be held active. In response to the control signal transmitted from the lower button 60, the one or processors can execute machine readable instructions to automatically activate the cot leveling function. Accordingly, the cot leveling function can dynamically actuate the loading end legs 20 to adjust the front angle αf. Thus, as the cot 10 is gradually urged onto the down escalator 506, the front angle αf can be changed keep the support frame 12 substantially level.
At process 309, the lower button 60 can be deactivated upon the front wheels 26 being loaded upon the down escalator 506. In response to the control signal transmitted from the lower button 60, the one or processors 100 can execute machine readable instructions to automatically actuate the brake mechanism 94. Accordingly, the front wheels 26 can locked to prevent the front wheels 26 from rolling. With the front wheels 26 and the back wheels 46 loaded upon the down escalator 506, the cot leveling function can adjust the front angle αf to match the escalator angle θ.
At process 311, the lower button 60 can be activated upon the back wheels 46 approaching the end of the down escalator 506. In response to the control signal transmitted from the lower button 60, the one or processors can execute machine readable instructions to automatically actuate the brake mechanism 94. Accordingly, the back wheels 46 can be unlocked to allow the back wheels 46 to roll. As the back wheels 46 exit the down escalator 506, the cot leveling function can adjust the front angle αf dynamically to keep the support frame 12 of the cot 10 substantially level.
At process 313, the position of the loading end legs 20 can be determined automatically by the one or more processors 100. Accordingly, as the back end 19 of the cot 10 exits the down escalator 506, the front angle αf can reach a predetermined angle such as, but not limited to, an angle corresponding to full extension of the loading end legs 20. Upon reaching the predetermined level, the one or processors 100 can execute machine readable instructions to automatically actuate the brake mechanism 94. Accordingly, the front wheels 26 can be unlocked to allow the front wheels 26 to roll. Thus, as the front end 17 of the cot 10 reaches the end of the down escalator 506, the cot 10 can be rolled away from the down escalator 506. In some embodiments, the elevator mode can be deactivated a predetermined time period (e.g., about 15 seconds) after the front wheels 26 are unlocked.
Referring collectively to
Upon activation of the CPR function, a control signal can be transmitted to and received by the one or more processors 100. In response to the control signal, the one or processors can execute machine readable instructions to automatically actuate the brake mechanism 94. Accordingly, the front wheels 26, the back wheels 46, or both can be locked to prevent the cot 10 from rolling. The cot 10 can be configured to provide an audible indication that the CPR function has been activated. Additionally, the height of the support frame 12 of the cot 10 can be slowly adjusted to an intermediate transport position (
Referring collectively to
Referring collectively to
Referring now collectively to
Referring collectively to
Referring again to
Once the control box 50 receives the command, the cot 10 can be set into a seated loading position (chair position) mode. In some embodiments, the cot 10 can automatically actuate to the seated loading position upon entering the seated loading position mode without additional input. Alternatively, the cot 10 can require additional input prior to transitioning to the seated loading position. For example, the back end 19 of the cot 10 can be lowered by pressing the “−” button 60 (
Referring now to
In some embodiments the cot control system 1000 has one or more controllers, e.g., a motor controller 1002, a graphical user interface (GUI) controller 1004, and/or a battery unit or controller 1006. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the number of controllers may be fewer, such the one or more processors 100 depicted by
In other embodiments, the various controllers 1002, 1004, 1006 may be communicatively connected via the wired network 1008, such as for example, a controller area network (CAN), a LONWorks network, a LIN network, an RS-232 network, a Firewire network, a DeviceNet network, or any other type of network or fieldbus that provides a communication system for communication between such electronic control circuits. Regardless of the specific type of the wired network 1008, the wired link may be between a physical network node (i.e., an active electronic device or circuit that is attached to the cot control system 1000, and which is capable of sending, receiving, or forwarding information over the wired network 1008) and an electronic control circuit (controller) programmed and/or designed to control the movement of at least the leg actuators of the cot, and optionally, the illuminating of cot drive and/or height indicator lights, locking and unlocking of wheel locks, unlocking of an external cot fastener, data logging, and error monitoring, correcting and signaling.
Each physical network node typically includes a circuit board that contains the electronics necessary for controlling a user interface, one or more actuators, one or more sensors, and/or one or more other electrical components as well as the associated electronic necessary for allowing each node to communicate within the cot control system 1000. For example, in
The GUI controller 1004 may be a second node that is configured to control a graphical user interface 1005, and in one embodiment can be embodied as control box 50 provided with the visual display component or GUI 58, i.e., as a user display unit. The graphical user interface 1005 may include one or more buttons or switches, or the like, such as any one of the buttons in button array 52 and/or 54 (
A third node in the cot control system 1000 may be the battery unit or controller 1006 for controlling one or more battery based power supplies of the cot 10. The battery controller 1006 likewise includes the associated electronic necessary for allowing controller 1006 to communicate using the wired network 1008 with any other networked electronics. In other embodiments, other nodes in the cot control system 1000 are, e.g., one or more sensors that can be connected to the wired network 1008 and/or directed to any of the controller 1002, 1004, and 1006.
In the illustrated embodiment, the hereafter described sensors have their respective outputs connected to inputs of the motor controller 1002. The one or more sensors may include one or more position sensors 1010 for detecting a relative position/location of a component of the cot 10, such as the load and control end legs either being in an opened position (i.e., the cot raised above its lowest position by the associated leg) or in an closed position (i.e., the associated leg is in its lowest position placing the cot in its lowest position). The one or more sensors may also include one or more temperature sensing sensors 1012 for detecting a motor's operating temperature. The one or more sensors may include one or more proximity sensors 1014 and/or 1016 for detecting a position/location of a first component of the cot 10 relative to an external support surface, such as the ground or a transport bay of an emergency vehicle, and/or to another component of the cot, such as for detecting proximity of the intermediate load wheel to another exterior surface and relatively location of an operator (control end) leg actuator mount to a support bracket. The one or more sensors may include one or more angle sensors 1018 for detecting the angular orientation of one or more components of cot 10, such as an angle of the load and control end legs. The one or more sensors may include one or more detection sensors 1020 for detecting the proximity and/or a connection to an external cot fastener, such as provided in an emergency transport vehicle. The one or more sensors may include one or more voltage sensing sensors 1022 for detecting a voltage such as the charge voltage. It is to be appreciated that the motor controller 1002 in the illustrated embodiment is responsible for processing the outputs of these sensors 1010, 1012, 1014, 1016, 1018, 1020 and/or 1022 and forwarding messages containing the sensed information to other networked electronic such as controller 1004 and 1006 in the cot control system 1000 via the wired network 1008.
In still another embodiment, the cot control system 1000 of the cot 10 can also include a wireless controller 1024 this is networked via the wired network 1008 to the other controllers 1002, 1004 and 1006 to at least provide to an external wireless receiver the forwarded messages as well as any other messages communicated via the wired network 1008 as desired. For example, as hospitals are starting to utilize music to help with pain management, the GUI controller 1004 can be loaded with a music player application 1009 that syncs with, via the wireless controller 1024, and plays the same music being transmitted/broadcasted/streamed over a hospital network. In such an embodiment, the operator can use the GUI 1005 to operate the music player application 1009 (to sync with the hospital music system, automatically if desired, stop, select, change, etc.), and play music through an audio speaker 1011 with volume control provided on cot 10. A preload selection of music may also be selected and played by the music player application 1009 from memory 102 (
The cot 10 has a number of operating modes with five (5) being operator selected, powered motion, operating modes: Awake, Direct Power—Both Legs, Direct Power—Loading end Legs Mode, Direct Power—Control end Legs Mode, and Chair Position Mode. These five (5) modes are selectable from the GUI 1005 in one embodiment, the control box 50 in another embodiment, via button(s) 53, and/or via the button array 52 and/or 54. Visual and/or audible cues may be provided by the GUI 1005 as to the current operation of the cot 10, such as audibly stating “Raising” or “Lowering” through the speaker 1011 when the cot is operating in a powered mode the is either raising or lowering the cot 10. A discussion of the five operator selected, powered motion, operating modes now follows hereafter.
The “Awake” mode is the fully operational mode of the cot 10, which allows for independent leg movement of the control and loading end legs. Depending on the state of the cot 10, one or both legs may respond to the “+/raise/extend” and “−/lower/retract” operator control buttons 1035, 1037, respectively, that may be provided, e.g., via a user interface 1039. The user interface 1039 may also include a power control 1041, e.g., push button, toggle switch, selector, etc., to provide the “On/Power” and (“Off/No Power”) when the operator commands either turning on or off the power to the cot control system 1000 of the cot 10. Manipulating the power control 1041 to turn on the cot control system 1000 to an active state (i.e., the Awake mode) sends to the motor controller 1002 a power voltage (PWR) signal. The control buttons 1035, 1037 may be also provided as a selector position or throw position of a selector or toggle switch, such as may be provided by buttons 56, 60, button array 52 and/or 54 depicted in
The Direct Power modes allow the operator to directly (and independently) control the motion of the cot's legs via the user interface 1039 and/or GUI 1005. For example, selection of one of the Direct Power modes allows the operator to independently control one or both sets of legs to raise, lower, load or unload the cot. In the following direct power modes, the cot 10 will not use any of its sensors to determine which leg should be moved in response to a button press of one the operator control buttons 1035, 1037, such as the raise button 56 or the lower button 60. “Direct Power-Both Legs” mode allows the operator to directly power the control and loading leg motors by selecting “Direct Power mode-Both Legs” with the Direct Power mode button, e.g., a button in button array 52 on the GUI 1005 and/or button(s) 53, and then pressing the raise/extend operator control (“+”) button 1035 or retract/lower operator control (“−”) button 1037, regardless of other sensor values. “Direct Power—Loading End Legs Mode” allows the operator to directly power the loading end (load) leg motor by pressing the “+” button 1035 or “−” button 1037, regardless of other sensor values. “Direct Power—Control End Legs Mode” allows the operator to directly power the control end (operator) leg motor by pressing the “+” button 1035 or “−” button 1037, regardless of other sensor values. “Chair Position Mode” allows the operator to easily move the cot 10 into a position where the patient surface is angled to allow the patient to more easily sit on the cot, as was explained in greater detail above in earlier sections in reference to
“Sleep Mode” is a reduced power consumption state for periods of time when the cot 10 is left dormant. “Manual Operation” is used to retract the cot legs without powered control. Manual Operation exists independently of any motor controller operation or input signal. The motor controller 1002 will not know that manual operation has been engaged and will behave exactly as if manual operation had not been engaged. Operation in this mode has no software requirements. When the cot's power control 1041, such as provided by one of the button arrays 52 or 54 (
With reference to
The B1 bit is set by the motor controller 1002 and broadcasted over the wired network 1008 while the “+” button 1035 is pressed. The B2 bit is set by the motor controller 1002 and broadcasted over the wired network 1008 while “−” button 1037 is pressed. The C1 Floor Conditions bit is set by the motor controller 1002 and broadcasted over the wired network 1008 while the C1 Floor Conditions bit of the Input Code signal is set. The C2 Floor Conditions bit is set by the motor controller 1002 and broadcasted over the wired network 1008 while the C2 Floor Conditions bit of the Input Code signal is set. The D1 bit is set by the motor controller 1002 and broadcasted over the wired network 1008 while D1 is set (when closed). The D2 bit is set by the motor controller 1002 and broadcasted over the wired network 1008 while D2 is set (when closed). The Awake bit is set by the motor controller 1002 and broadcasted over the wired network 1008 while the operating mode is Awake or Charge, or if there is a “Stuck Button Error” active (even when the motor controller 1002 is in Sleep mode). The Light Cutoff bit is set by the motor controller 1002 and broadcasted over the wired network 1008 while the battery voltage is less than a Light Minimum Voltage Threshold. In one embodiment, the Light Minimum Voltage Threshold is 5 volts, but may be set to any other desired voltage level via a change to such value set in a configuration file 1106 or script 1100 (
The Charge Voltage Present bit is set by the motor controller 1002 and broadcasted over the wired network 1008 when the motor controller detects a non-zero voltage (Charge+) via charge voltage sensor 1022. The Lights On bit is set by the motor controller 1002 and broadcasted over the wired network 1008 while the lights are being commanded to be on via a button of the button arrays 52 and/or 54, and/or via a remote control signal received via wireless controller 1024 commanding the lights to be on. The USB Activity bit is set by the motor controller 1002 and broadcasted over the wired network 1008 when a software utility tool is connected to the controller (e.g., for programming, diagnostics, updating, etc). The A1 Extension (32 bits) is set by the motor controller 1002 and broadcasted over the wired network 1008 to indicate the amount of extension of the load (loading end) leg actuator rod. The A1 Extension is expressed in mils with a range from 0 to 18000, with 0 mils being full retraction and 18000 mils being full extension. The A2 Extension (32 bits) is set by the motor controller 1002 and broadcasted over the wired network 1008 to indicate the amount of extension of the operator (control end) leg actuator rod. The A2 Extension is expressed in mils with a range from 0 to 18000, with 0 mils being full retraction and 18000 mils being full extension.
The Motor State bits (32 bits in one embodiment, other desired bit lengths in other embodiments) is set by the motor controller 1002 and broadcasted over the wired network 1008 to indicated the current Motor State with the following enumeration: 0=Motor State 0; 1=Motor State 1; 2=Motor State 2; 3=Motor State 3; 4=Motor State 1−; 5=Motor State 2−; 6=Motor State 3−; 7=Motor State 4; 8=Motor State 5; 9=Motor State 6; 10=Motor State 7; 11=Motor State 8; and 12=Motor State 9. Each of these motor states is discussed in greater details hereafter in later sections. For any condition where leg movement is locked out, the motor controller 1002 will report a Motor State 0 to the GUI controller 1004 for indication of the display 1005. The Voltage Bin bits (32 bits in one embodiment, other desired bit lengths in other embodiments) is set by the motor controller 1002 and broadcasted over the wired network 1008 to indicate the current Voltage Bin. The Motor Controller Error Code bits (64 bits in one embodiment, other desired bit lengths in other embodiments) is set by the motor controller 1002 and broadcasted over the wired network 1008 when detected. The conditions which result in providing a particular Motor Controller Error Code are discussed in greater details in later sections.
With reference to
The Battery Error Code bits (16 bits in one embodiment, other desired bit lengths in other embodiments) is set by the battery controller 1006 in a message and broadcasted over the wired network 1008 in response to detecting an error in the current and/or voltage supplied by battery 1007 when electrically powering the operations of the cot 10. The motor controller 1002 uses the Battery Error Code to set the Motor Controller Error Code for the display 1005 as will be discussed in later sections. The High Temperature bit is set by the battery controller 1006 in a message and broadcasted over the wired network 1008 when the battery 1007 is at a temperature above 55° C. This information is likewise used by the motor controller 1002 to set the Motor Controller Error Code for the display 1005. The Battery Temperature byte and Battery Voltage bytes are set by the battery controller 1006 in a message and broadcasted over the wired network 1008 periodically after reading the temperature and voltage of the battery. If the least significant bits in the messages from the battery controller 1006 do not change after a certain time, then the motor controller 1002 will read the battery voltage (ChargeV) from the input of the Charge Voltage sensor 1022. The Under Voltage bit is set by the battery controller 1006 in a message and broadcasted over the wired network 1008 when the total voltage of battery 1007 is lower than 33.5 V in one embodiment, which may be higher or lower in other embodiments as is desired and set in the configuration file 1106. At this voltage and while remaining below this voltage, the motor controller 1002 will read the battery voltage (ChargeV) from the input of the Charge Voltage sensor 1022 instead of reading from the messages from the battery controller 1006.
With reference to
When an operator commands that the drive lights 1034, such as lights 86, 88, and 89 of the cot 10 be activated via the GUI 1005, the Drive Light bit is set by the GUI controller 1004 in a message and broadcasted over the wired network 1008. The motor controller 1002, in response to reading the message from the GUI controller with the Drive Light bit set, turns on the Drive Light 1034, such as lights 86, 88 and 89. As explained in later sections, the Direct Power Mode Code bits (3 bits in one embodiment, other desired bit lengths in other embodiments) when set by the GUI controller 1004 in a message in response to operator input via the GUI 1005 and broadcasted over the wired network 1008, is read and used by the motor controller 1002 in selecting the operating mode. The remaining data providing by the GUI controller 1004, such as the Display Software Version bits, the Display Config Version bits and the Display Graphics Version bits are set by the GUI controller 1004 in a message in response to a query and used by the motor controller 1002 to set and provide such version values to a querying external utility tool connected to the motor controller via USB for diagnostic/updating purposes.
The I/O signals between the motor controller 1002 and the rest of the system 1000 are shown in Table 1: Motor Controller I/O and
The modes are selected by the motor controller 1002 based on input signals received, see Table 1 and
There are a number of other scripts 1100 provided in the controller's memory 1102 which enable the cot 10 to provide all the above mentioned movements, operations and indications, and which are discussed in greater detail in the sections that follow hereafter. The motor controller 1002 also uses a configuration file 1106, also stored in memory (e.g. memory 102), to read from and use for comparisons and/or setting particular preset/predetermined parameters/variables that are discussed herein. It is to be appreciated that any of the presets discussed herein may be provided in and read from the configuration file 1106 or script 1100 by the motor controller 1002 and is customizable by the operator if such a preset is provided in the configuration file 1106. Once stored in the controller's memory, such as memory 102, particular scripts can be executed either manually or automatically every time the controller 1002 is started. Manual launch is done by sending commands via the USB port. Scripts can be launched automatically after controller power up, e.g., via the PWR signal from the user interface 1039, or after reset by setting an auto script configuration to enable in the controller's configuration memory, e.g., a bootstrap. When enabled, if a script is detected in memory after reset, script execution is enabled and the script will run.
In process step 2018, the determination is that the previous mode was not the “Off” mode 2004, then in process step 2020, the motor controller 1002 checks to see if it has been more than the time specified by Awake Time since the last press of a “+” or “−” button 1035 or 1037, and if so then the motor controller 1002 place the cot into the “Sleep” mode 2014. A press of a “+” or “−” button 1035 or 1037 while the cot is in the Sleep mode 2014 in step 2022, will then cause the motor controller 1002 to place the cot into the Awake mode 2016. If in process step 2020 it has been less than the time specified by Awake Time since the last press of a “+” or “−” button 1035 or 1037, then the motor controller 1002 checks to see if the Direct Power Mode Code is 0 (i.e., via an “Awake” button selection on control box 50 and/or GUI 1005) in step 2024. If the Direct Power Mode Code is 0, then the motor controller 1002 checks to see if a press of a “+” or “−” button 1035 or 1037 is present in step 2026, and if not then the motor controller 1002 places the cot in the “Awake” mode 2016. If the Direct Power Mode Code is not 0 in process step 2024, then the motor controller 1002 checks to see if the Direct Power Mode Code is 1 (i.e., via an “Direct Power-Both Legs” button selection on control box 50, e.g., via a push on a button of the button array 52, 54 or button 53, and/or GUI 1005) in process step 2028, and if so actuates the cot in the “Direct Power-Both Legs” mode. If the Direct Power Mode Code is not 1 in process step 2028, then the motor controller 1002 checks to see if the Direct Power Mode Code is 2 (i.e., via an “Direct Power-Loading end legs” button selection on control box 50, button 53 and/or GUI 1005) in process step 2030, and if so actuates the cot in the “Direct Power—Loading end legs” mode. If the Direct Power Mode Code is not 2 in process step 2030, then the motor controller 1002 checks to see if the Direct Power Mode Code is 3 (i.e., via an “Direct Power—Control end legs” button selection on control box 50, button 53 and/or GUI 1005) in process step 2032, and if so actuates the cot in the “Direct Power—Control end legs” mode. If the Direct Power Mode Code is not 3 in process step 2032, then the motor controller 1002 checks to see if the Direct Power Mode Code is 4 (i.e., via an “Set Load Height” button selection on control box 50, button 53 and/or GUI 1005) in process step 2034, and if so actuates the cot in the “Set Load Height” mode. If the Direct Power Mode Code is not 4 in process step 2034, then the motor controller 1002 checks to see if the Direct Power Mode Code is 5 (i.e., via an “Chair Position” button selection on control box 50, button 53 and/or GUI 1005) in process step 2036, and if so actuates the cot in the Chair Position Mode. If the Direct Power Mode Code is not 5 in process step 2036, then the motor controller 1002 places the cot in the Awake mode. If in process step 2026 the motor controller 1002 detects the presence of a press of a “+” or “−” button 1035 or 1037, then the motor controller 1002 determines and selects in process step 2038 a motor state command based on the inputs received as is explained in greater detail hereafter in later sections. It is to be appreciated that in some embodiments, one of the buttons of the button array 52, 54 or button 53 may function as a mode selection button which allows a user to cycle through a mode selection sequence each having an associated one of the Direct Power Mode Code values discussed herein. For example, in some embodiments each button press cycles to the next mode and causes the motor controller 1002 to have a matching image of the selected mode displayed on the GUI 58 or 1005. For example,
Off Mode and Charge Mode Operations
In the Off Mode and Charge Mode Operation, the motor controller 1002 is powered, but no power is delivered to the actuators 16, 18, and no illumination is provided by the lights 86, 88, 89. The motor controller 1002 ignores any input of the “+” and “−” operator control buttons 1035, 1037. Error Detection, error logging, and updating of the Error Code shall continue as described in a later section. As mentioned previously above, if the PWR signal from the user interface 1039 is high, then if the charge voltage (ChargeV) from the charger 1040 is non-zero the mode is “Charge”, which sets the Charge Voltage Present bit in the message sent from the motor controller 1002 over the wired network 1008.
Sleep Mode Operation
In the Sleep Mode Operation, the motor controller 1002 is powered down to minimize power consumption of the battery's energy. In this mode, no power is delivered to the actuators, and no illumination is provided by the lights 1032, 1034. If input, i.e., a pressing of either the raise/extend operator control (“+”) button 1035 or the lower/retract operator control (“−”) button 1037 occurs, then the motor controller 1002 is placed in the Awake Mode Operation once the pressing of either of the buttons 1035, 1037 is released. The next “+”/“−” button press then operates the cot 10 as described in later sections hereafter as long as the Awake timer 1104 has not expired, sending the motor controller 1002 back to “Sleep” mode as discussed previously above. In the Sleep Mode the motor controller 1002 continues to monitor for error conditions. Any detected error is logged in the error log file, but no other error handling occurs again to minimize power consumption of the battery's energy.
Direct Power—Both Legs, Loading End Legs, or Control End Legs
In the Direct Power—Both Legs mode, Direct Power—Loading end legs mode, and the Direct Power—Control end legs mode, the motor controller 1002 continues to monitor for error conditions. Any detected error is logged in an error log file. The associated Error Code bit is set for any detected error. No other error handling occurs in this mode. All sensors (including angle sensors, proximity sensors, and leg state sensors) are ignored by the motor controller 1002 for controlling motion of the legs in these modes. The Motor State is 5 for the Direct Power—Control end legs mode. The Motor State is 6 for the Direct Power—Both Legs mode. The Motor State is 7 for the Direct Power—Loading end legs mode.
Chair Position Mode
In the Chair Position Mode, the motor controller 1002 displays the image depicted in
Set Load Height
While the mode selection Set Load Height is set, the motor controller 1002 stores in memory (e.g., memory 102) the current A1 value as the preset Load Height provided in the configuration file 1106. The setting is stored in the configuration file 1106 in terms relative to the actuator rod extension, not the raw voltage reading. While in this mode, the motor controller 1002 ignores the operator control buttons 1035, 1037.
Awake Mode
The Awake mode is the standard (fully) operational mode of the cot. This mode allows for independent leg movement of the control end legs and the loading end legs.
Referring to
As depicted by
In one embodiment, the second position X2 is indicated by the sensor 1010 when angle r>3 degrees in one embodiment. In still another embodiment, the second position X2 is indicated by the sensor 1010 when the upper actuator cross-member 299 drops 2.5 mm below its relative position when the pivot plate 2200 is in the first position X1. Likewise, as the pivot plate for the control end legs (not shown) is the same as pivot plate 2200, bit D2 is set to 1 when the pivot plate for the control end legs is in first position X1 as depicted by
In still other embodiments, it is to be appreciated that as the cot actuation system 34, which is under the automated control of the cot control system 1000, interconnects the support frame 12 and each of the pair of legs 20, 40 together, and is configured as explained above in previous sections to effect changes in elevation of the support frame 12 relative to the wheels 26, 46 of each of the legs 20, 40. The cot control system 1000 controls activation of the cot actuation system 34, and is configured as explained above to detect one or both actuators 16, 18 of the cot actuation system 34 being at a first location or position X1 relative to the support frame 12, where the first location is remote from a second location or position X2 and which situates an end (i.e., cross member 299) of the actuator 16 and/or 18 that is remote from the wheels 26, 46 closer to the support frame 12. When a signal requesting a change in elevation of the support frame 12 relative to the wheels 26, 46 of each of the legs 20 and/or 40 is present, such as a pressing of the control button 56 or 60 and/or an Input Code signal indicating such a change in elevation as explained hereafter in later sections, the cot actuation system 1000 causes the one or both actuators 16, 18 of the cot actuation system 34 to orientate the support frame 12 and legs 20 and/or 40 either closer or further apart depending on the input received from the one or more sensors of the conditions sensed that have been previously discussed herein.
Referring back to
As depicted by
Automatic stops due to Leg State Change. When the Input Code signal changes due to a change in either the D1 or the D2 state, the motor controller 1002 stops moving the cot's legs until a re-press of either of the buttons 1035, 1037.
Position Indicator Light. The Position Indicator Light 1032, such as embodiment in one example as line indicator 74 (
Motion within Motor States
Motor State 0: In this motor state, any pressing of the buttons 1035, 1037 is ignored by the motor controller 1002 such that neither the loading end solenoid actuator 1036 nor the control end solenoid actuator 1038 is activated such that the legs 20, 40 are neither extended nor retracted.
Motor State 1: While the “+” button 1035 is pressed, the motor controller 1002 causes the loading end solenoid actuator 1036 to extend the loading end legs 20 in open loop mode at the maximum possible rate. The control end solenoid actuator 1038 is not activated by the motor controller 1002 such that the control end legs 40 do not move. While the “−” button 1037 is pressed, the motor controller 1002 causes the loading end solenoid actuator 1036 to retract the loading end legs 20 in open loop mode at the maximum possible rate. The control end solenoid actuator 1038 is not activated by the motor controller 1002 such that the control end legs 40 do not move unless Kickup Mode conditions described hereafter are met.
Kickup Mode: When the Input Code signal transitions from a 2 to an 18 (i.e., the loading end legs 20 retract sufficiently for Mid-Load Conditions to be set), the motor controller 1002 will automatically extend the control end legs 40 to a Kickup Height defined in the configuration file 1106. If the control end legs 40 have not been extended to the Kickup Height after expiration of a KickupTime (a countdown timer time predefined in the configuration file 1106), the motor controller 1002 will stop trying to extend the control end legs 40. This action prevents the motor controller 1002 from continuously trying to extend the control end legs 40 that are already at their maximum possible extension. The loading end legs 20 will continue to be retracted by the motor controller 1002 during the Kickup mode as long as the “−” button 1037 is being pressed and the loading end legs 20 have not reached their maximum retraction. The motor controller 1002 stops the load actuator 18 after expiration of the KickupTime timer and when the loading end legs 20 have reached their maximum retraction.
Motor State 1−: In this motor state, pressing of the “+” button 1035 does not cause the motor controller 1002 to active the solenoid actuators 1036, 1038, but pressing the “−” button 1037 will cause the motor controller 1002 to active the loading end solenoid actuator 1036 such that the loading end legs 20 retract in open loop mode at the maximum possible rate. Additionally, the control end solenoid actuator 1038 does not move, such that the control end legs 40 stays at the same height.
Motor State 2: In this motor state, pressing of the “+” button 1035 causes the motor controller 1002 to active only the control end solenoid actuator 1038 such that the control end legs 40 extend in open loop mode at the maximum possible rate. While the “−” button 1037 is pressed, the motor controller 1002 actives only the control end solenoid actuator 1038 such that the control end legs 40 retract in open loop mode at the maximum possible rate.
Motor State 2−: In this motor state, any pressing of the “+” button 1035 is ignored by the motor controller 1002 such that neither the loading end solenoid actuator 1036 nor the control end solenoid actuator 1038 is activated such that the legs 20, 40 are not extended. While “−” button 1037 is pressed, the motor controller 1002 will active the control end solenoid actuator 1038 such that the control end legs 40 retract in an open loop mode at the power setting specified by KickDownPower parameter provided in the configuration file 1106.
Motor State 3: While “+” button 1035 is pressed and the loading end legs 20 and control end legs 40 extensions are equal to within 2% of the operating range, the motor controller 1002 causes the loading end solenoid actuator 1036 to extend the loading end legs 20 at the power setting specified by Up Power in the configuration file 1106. Additionally, the motor controller 1002 actives the control end solenoid actuator 1038 such that the control end legs 40 extend in tracking mode (tracking the position of the load leg). The motor controller 1002 stops the extending of the legs 20, 40 when they reach a first stop position determined by the Transport Height parameter that is preset in and read from the configuration file 1106 or script 1100. To continue the extending of the legs 20, 40, the “+” button 1035 has been released and re-pressed. Upon the re-pressing of the “+” button 1035 after stopping at the Transport Height stop position, the motor controller 1002 will again extend the legs 20, 40 until they reach a Load Height stop position. To continue the extending of the legs 20, 40 beyond the Load Height stop position up to it maximum possible extension, a Highest Level Height stop position (A1=99%, A2=99%), the “+” button 1035 will again have to be released and re-pressed.
It is to be appreciated that if the Load Height stop position is set within 0.2 inches (5.08 mm) (measured on the actuator rod) of the Transport Height stop position, the stopping at the Load Height stop position is ignored by the motor controller 1002. This feature is useful during field operations when it may become necessary to disable the Load Height stop positions due to errors and/or for current care requirements. When the motor controller 1002 starts to move the legs 20, 40 via activation of the solenoid actuators 1036, 1038, the rate of leg extension will ramp from a Start Up Power rate (i.e., a first power setting parameter) to a rate set by a Up Power parameter (a second power setting parameter that is greater than the first power setting parameter, which cause a faster raising of the cot relative to when the cot is being raised under the first power setting parameter) over a time period specified by a Soft Start Acceleration Up parameter, all of which parameters are preset and read from the configuration file 1106 or script 1100 by the motor controller 1002. After the operator has released the “+” button 1035, the motor controller 1002 will ramp down the rate of leg extension to the Start Up Power rate (i.e., the first power rating parameter) over a time period specified by a SoftStop parameter, all of which parameters are also preset and read from the configuration file 1106 or script 1100 by the motor controller 1002. If the value of the ChargeV signal from sensor 1022 (or as reported by the battery controller 1006 via a battery communication message) is less than the Start Up Power, then output power to the solenoid actuators 1036, 1038 is set to zero (0) volts by the motor controller 1002. As the Transport Height stop position is approaching, the motor controller 1002 will ramp down the rate of leg retraction (i.e., the power output to the solenoid actuators 1036, 1038) to zero (0) over the distance specified by a UpDistanceCorrector parameter preset in the configuration file 1106 or script 1100. The motor controller 1002 will not move the Load or Control end legs past the Highest Level Height parameter. If the Load or Control end legs are already outside of Highest Level Height range when motor state 3 is entered, then the motor controller 1002 will not retract them back into level range until the “−” button 1037 is pressed.
While the “−” button 1037 is pressed and the loading end legs 20 and control end legs 40 extensions are equal to within 2% of the operating range, the motor controller 1002 will active the loading end solenoid actuator 1036 such that the loading end legs 20 retract at the power setting specified by Down Power parameter preset and read from the configuration file 1106 or script 1100. The motor controller 1002 also causes the control end solenoid actuator 1038 to retract the control end legs 40 in tracking mode (tracking the position of the load leg). The motor controller 1002 will stop retracting the legs 20, 40 when they reach the Transport Height stop position, and will not continue with the retracting below the Transport Height stop position until the “−” button 1037 has been released and re-pressed.
When the motor controller 1002 starts to move the legs 20, 40 via activation of the solenoid actuators 1036, 1038, the rate of leg retraction will ramp from a Start Down Power rate (a third power setting parameter) to a rate set by Down Power rate (a fourth power setting parameter that is greater than the third power setting parameter, which causes a faster lowering of the cot relative to when the cot is being lowered under the third power setting parameter) over a time period specified by a Soft Down Acceleration Down parameter, all of which parameters are preset in and read from the configuration file 1106 or script 1100 by the motor controller 1002. After the operator has released the “−” button 1037, the motor controller 1002 will ramp down the rate of leg retraction to a Start Down Power rate parameter over a time period specified by the SoftStop parameter. As above, if the power reported by the sensor 1002 or the battery controller 1006 is less than StartDownPower parameter, then the output power to the solenoid actuators 1036, 1038 is set to zero (0) volts by the motor controller 1002. As a Lowest Level Height stop position (which is preset and read from the configuration file 1106 or script 1100 by the motor controller 1002) is approaching, the rate of leg retraction will ramp down to zero (0) volts by the motor controller 1002 over the distance specified by a DownDistanceCorrector parameter, which is also preset in and read from the configuration file 1106 or script 1100 by the motor controller 1002. The motor controller 1002 will not move either of the loading end legs 20 or control end legs 40 past the Lowest Level Height stop position. If either of the loading end legs 20 or control end legs 40 are already outside of the Lowest Level Height stop position range when motor state 3 is entered, the motor controller 1002 will not retract them back into a level range until the “+” button 1035 is pressed. While “+” or “−” button 1035 or 1037 is held and the legs 20, 40 are extended unequally by more than 2% of the operating range of the respective solenoid actuators 1036, 1038, only the legs, i.e., either legs 20 or 40, which needs to travel in the direction of the button press to equalize the leg extensions is moved automatically by the motor controller 1002. Once the legs 20, 40 have reached equal extensions as sensed by angle sensor 1018 (A1=A2), the motor controller 1002 will then extend/retract the legs 20, 40 simultaneously as described previously above in earlier sections. The above auto-equalize function performed by the controller 1002 to ensure a level raising or lowering of the cot 10. It is to be appreciated that the Lowest Level Height stop position is a set value, and the cot 10 will stop lowering at this height based on feedback from the angle sensor(s). If the cot 10 stops lowering above this height, a press of the “−” button 1037 will lower the unit to the stop position height. At this height, further pressing of the “−” button 1037 will do nothing, whereas a pressing of the “+” button 1035 will raise the cot 10 if the herein discussed extending conditions are met. This functionality of the cot 10 prevents button 1035 or 1037 from moving the cot 10 while fully retracted and loaded in an emergency vehicle.
Motor State 3−: When in this motor state, the motor controller 1002 will not response to any press on the “+” button 1035 such that neither the loading end legs 20 nor control end legs 40 move. While the “−” button 1037 is pressed and the loading end legs 20 and control end legs 40 extensions are equal to within 2% of the operating range (e.g., 10 mm), the motor controller 1002 will cause the loading end solenoid actuator 1036 to retract the loading end legs 20 at the power setting specified by the Down Power parameter provided in the configuration file 1106 or script 1100. Additionally, the motor controller 1002 with cause the control end solenoid actuator 1038 to retract the control end legs 40 in tracking mode (tracking the position of the load leg). The motor controller 1002 will stop retracting the legs 20, 40 when they reach the Transport Height stop position and will not continue to retract the legs 20, 40 until the “−” button 1037 has been released and re-pressed. After the “−” button 1037 has been released and re-pressed, when starting again to move the legs 20, 40, the motor controller 1002 will ramp the rate of leg retraction from the Start Down Power rate to the rate set by the Down Power rate parameter over the time period specified by the Soft Down Acceleration Down parameter. After the operator has released the “−” button 1037, the rate of leg retraction is ramped-down by the motor controller 1002 to the Start Down Power rate parameter over the time period specified by SoftStop parameter. If the power as indicated by the ChargeV signal from sensor 1022 or as indicated in a communication message by the battery controller 1006 is less than the Start Down Power rate, then the output power provided by the motor controller 1002 to the solenoid actuators 1036, 1038 is set to zero (0) volts. As a Lowest Level Height stop position is approaching, the rate of leg retraction will ramp down to zero (0) volts by the motor controller 1002 over the distance specified by a DownDistanceCorrector parameter. The motor controller 1002 will not move either of the loading end legs 20 or control end legs 40 past the Lowest Level Height stop position.
The motor controller 1002 will not move the legs 20, 40 past Lowest Level Height stop position. If either or both of the legs 20, 40 are already outside of Lowest Level Height range when motor state 3 is entered, the motor controller 1002 will not retract them back into level range until the “+” button 1035 is pressed. While the “−” button 1037 is held and the legs are extended unequally by more than 2% of the operating range, only the pair of legs 20 or 40 which needs to retract to equalize the leg extensions will move. Once the legs have reached equal extensions (i.e., A1=A2), they will retract as described previously above in earlier sections by the motor controller 1002.
Motor State 5: In this motor state, while the “+” button 1035 pressed, the motor controller 1002 responses by activating only the control end solenoid actuator 1038 such that the control end legs 40 extend at a power level set by a Reduced Up Power parameter preset in and read from the configuration file 1106 or script 1100 by the motor controller 1002. When the motor controller 1002 starts to move the control end legs 40, the rate of leg extension is ramped from the Start Up Power rate to the rate set by the Reduced Up Power parameter over the time period specified by the Soft Start Acceleration Up parameter. While the “−” button 1037 is pressed, the motor controller 1002 activates only the control end solenoid actuator 1038 such that the control end legs 40 retracts at a power level set by the Reduced Down Power parameter. When the motor controller 1002 starts to move the control end legs 40, the rate of leg retraction is ramped from the Start Down Power rate to the rate set by Down Power parameter over the time period specified by Soft Down Acceleration Down parameter.
Motor State 6: When in this motor state, while the “+” button 1035 is pressed, the motor controller 1002 actives both solenoid actuators 1036, 1038 such that both legs 20, 40 extend at a power level set by Reduced Up Power parameter. When the motor controller 1002 starts to move the legs 20, 40, the rate of leg extension is ramped by the motor controller 1002 from the Start Up Power rate to the rate set by Reduced Up Power parameter over the time period specified by the Soft Start Acceleration Up parameter. While the “−” button 1037 pressed, the motor controller 1002 actives both solenoid actuators 1036, 1038 such that both legs 20, 40 retract at a power level set by the Reduced Down Power parameter. When the motor controller 1002 starts to move the legs 20, 40, the rate of leg extension is ramped by the motor controller 1002 from the Start Down Power rate to the rate set by Reduced Down Power parameter over the time period specified by the Soft Down Acceleration Down parameter.
Motor State 7: In this motor state, while the “+” button 1035 is pressed, the motor controller 1002 responses by activating only the loading end solenoid actuator 1036 such that the loading end legs 20 extend at a power level set by a Reduced Up Power parameter preset in and read from the configuration file 1106 or script 1100 by the motor controller 1002. When the motor controller 1002 starts to move the loading end legs 20, the rate of leg extension is ramped from the Start Up Power rate to the rate set by the Reduced Up Power parameter over the time period specified by the Soft Start Acceleration Up parameter. While the “−” button 1037 is pressed, the motor controller 1002 activates only the loading end solenoid actuator 1036 such that the loading end legs 20 retracts at a power level set by the Reduced Down Power parameter. When the motor controller 1002 starts to move the loading end legs 20, the rate of leg retraction is ramped from the Start Down Power rate to the rate set by Down Power parameter over the time period specified by Soft Down Acceleration Down parameter.
Motor State 8: When in this motor state, while the “+” button 1035 is pressed, the motor controller 1002 actives both solenoid actuators 1036, 1038 such that the legs 20, 40 extend at maximum power. While “−” button 1037 is pressed, the motor controller 1002 actives both solenoid actuators 1036, 1038 such that the legs 20, 40 are retracted at maximum power.
Motor State 9: In this motor state, while the “−” button 1037 is pressed, if the control end legs 40 are not within a Chair Position Tolerance distance parameter of the Chair Position height parameter (both parameters preset in and read from the configuration file 1106 or script 1100 by the motor controller 1002), and if the loading end legs 20 and control end legs 40 extensions are equal to within 2% of the operating range and the loading end legs 20 is less extended than the result of the Chair Position height parameter−Chair Position Tolerance distance, then the motor controller 1002 causes the loading end solenoid actuator 1036 to extend the loading end legs 20 at the power setting specified by Up Power parameter preset in and read from the configuration file 1106 or script 1100 by the motor controller 1002. Additionally, the motor controller 1002 causes the control end solenoid actuator 1038 to extend the control end legs 40 in tracking mode (tracking the position of the load leg). The motor controller 1002 stops extending the legs 20, 40 when they reach the Chair Height position. As in other modes, when the legs are starting to move, the motor controller 1002 ramps the rate of leg extension from the Start Up Power rate to the rate set by Up Power parameter over the time period specified by the Soft Start Acceleration Up parameter. After the operator has released the “−” button 1037, the rate of leg extension is ramped-down by the motor controller 1002 to the StartUpPower rate parameter over the time period specified by the SoftStop parameter. If the power reported by the sensor 1022 or by the battery controller 1006 is less than the StartUpPower rate parameter, then output power to the solenoid actuators 1036, 1038 is set to zero (0) volts by the motor controller 1002.
As the Chair Position height is approaching, the rate of leg retraction is ramped down by the motor controller 1002 to zero (0) volts over the distance specified by UpDistanceCorrector parameter. If the loading end legs 20 and control end legs 40 extensions are equal to within 2% of the operating range (?) and the loading end legs 20 are extended more than the Chair Position height+the Chair Position Tolerance, then the motor controller 1002 causes the loading end solenoid actuator 1036 to retract the loading end legs 20 at the power setting specified by Down Power parameter provided in the configuration file 1106 or script 1100. Additionally, the motor controller 1002 cause the control end solenoid actuator 1038 to retract the control end legs 40 in tracking mode (tracking the position of the load leg). The cot's legs stop retracting when they reach the position of Chair Position height parameter.
As in other modes, when the motor controller 1002 starts to move the legs 20, 40, the rate of leg retraction will ramp from the Start Down Power rate to the rate set by Down Power parameter over the time period specified by the Soft Down Acceleration Down parameter. After the operator has released the “−” button 1037, the rate of leg retraction will ramp-down to the Start Down Power rate over the time period specified by the SoftStop parameter. If the power reported by the sensor 1022 or battery controller 1006 is less than the power required by the StartDownPower rate, then output power is set by the motor controller 1002 to zero (0) volts. As position of the Chair Position height parameter is approaching, the rate of leg retraction will ramp down to zero (0) over the distance specified by the DownDistanceCorrector parameter. If the legs 20, 40 are extended unequally by more than 2% of the operating range (?), further leg movement will depend on the position of the loading end legs 20 with respect to the control end legs 40 and the Chair Position height. If the cot 10 is in a position such that the loading end legs 20 are above the Chair Position height and the control end legs 40 are lower than the loading end legs 20 and lower than the Chair Position height, then the motor controller 1002 retracts the loading end legs 20 to its Chair Position height, and then retracts the control end legs 40 to its Operator Chair height.
If the cot 10 is in a position such that the loading end legs 20 are above the Chair Position height and the control end legs is lower than the loading end legs 20 but above the Chair Position height, then the motor controller 1002 retracts the loading end legs 20 to be level with the control end legs 40, then both the legs 20, 40 are retracted evenly by the motor controller 1002 until Chair Position height, and then the control end legs 40 are retracts by the motor controller 1002 to its Operator Chair height. If the cot is in a position such that the loading end legs are above the Chair Position height and the control end legs 40 are above the loading end legs 20, the control end legs 40 are retracted by the motor controller 1002 to be level with the loading end legs 20, and then both the legs are retracted evenly by the motor controller 1002 until the Chair Position height, and then the control end legs 40 are retracts to its Operator Chair height.
If the cot is in a position such that the loading end legs 20 are below the Chair Position height and the control end legs are below the loading end legs 20, the control end legs 40 are extended to be level with the loading end legs 20, then both legs are extended evenly until the Chair Position height, and then the control end legs 40 are retracted to Operator Chair height. If the cot 10 is in a position such that the loading end legs 20 are below the Chair Position height and the control end legs 40 are above the loading end legs 20 but below the Chair Position height, then the loading end legs 20 are extended to be level with the control end legs 40, then both legs 20, 40 are extended evenly until Chair Position height, and then the control end legs 40 are retracted to its Operator Chair height.
If the cot is in a position such that the loading end legs 20 are below the Chair Position height and the control end legs 40 are above the loading end legs 20 and also above the Chair Position height, the loading end legs 20 are extended to Chair Position height and then the control end legs 40 are retracted to the Operator Chair height. If the loading end legs 20 are within Chair Position tolerance of Chair Position height, then the motor controller 1002 will not cause the loading end solenoid actuator 1036 to move the loading end legs 20 as the control end solenoid actuator 1038 is activated by the motor controller 1002 to cause the control end legs 40 to retract at a reduced power level to the Operator Chair height.
Mode Independent Operation
The following modes of operation are independent of any motor mode operation, a USB Data Transfer State, Battery Voltage Monitoring, Data Logging, Error Detection, and Configuration File execution and updating. While in the USB Data Transfer Mode, an external controller utility tool such as provided on a personal computer or smart electronic device is able to read the motor controller log files. One suitable example of such a controller utility tool is Roborunt from RoboteQ (Scottsdale, Ariz.). From the controller utility tool, software versions updates can be implemented to the controller as well as calibrate the maximum height and minimum height for the angle sensors. The controller utility tool also can display the states and values of the analog/digital inputs and outputs to the motor controller 1002 depicted in
For Battery Voltage Monitoring, the motor controller 1002 is responsible for monitoring the battery's voltage level. The voltage level is read after a pre-defined idle time, which is defined by a Voltage Reading Idle Time parameter that starts counting down following a pressing of the “+” button 1035 or the “−” button 1037. The Voltage Reading Idle Time parameter is preset to 15 seconds, but which is configurable via the configuration file 1106. If the idle voltage level is less than an Actuator Minimum Voltage Threshold (preset in and read from the configuration file 1106 or script 1100) the actuators are disabled. Once the actuators have been disabled for low voltage, the battery voltage must become greater than Actuator Minimum Voltage Threshold by one volt (1V) before the actuators will be enabled. If the idle voltage level is less than Light Minimum Voltage Threshold (preset in and read from the configuration file 1106 or script 1100), the LightCutoff bit will be set. Once the lights have been disabled for low voltage, the battery voltage must become greater than Light Minimum Voltage Threshold by one volt (1V) before the lights will be enabled.
Voltage Bins: If the idle voltage is >=VThresh3, the bin is 3. If the idle voltage is <VThresh3 and >=VThresh2, the bin is 2. If the idle voltage is <VThresh2 and >=VThresh1, the bin is 1. If the idle voltage is <VThresh1, the bin is 0.
Data Logging
A text readable log file is written to memory, such as memory 102 or to a flash memory card, such as a memory stick, SD card, and/or compact flash card connected to the motor controller's USB. The log file shall contain an entry capturing each time an Error Code occurs or clears. The log file shall contain entries during cot operation capturing the cot status every fifty milliseconds (50 ms). The log file shall contain entries during idle periods at a period controlled by IdleLogTime. The following cot status fields are provided in the data log file by the motor controller: Battery Voltage, values for A1, A2, D1, D2, C1, C2, Time Stamp, +Button Status Display, −Button Status Display, +Button Telescopic Handle, −Button Telescopic Handle, Motor Controller Error Code, Motor1 Current, Motor2 Current, Motor Command 1, Motor Command 2, Direct Power Code, Motor State, Battery message, A1 Speed, A2 Speed, Motor1 Temp, Motor2 Temp, Controller Channel Temperature, Controller IC Temperature, Fault Flag, Battery Temperature, and Error Detection.
Error Conditions
The motor controller 1002 monitors for the below error/warning conditions and takes the actions specified by the error's associated Priority Class Category. The designated “Error Code Bit” value for the detected “Condition” as well as the “Clearing” action(s), if any, are also provided in the discussion provided hereafter. “Additional Actions” may be listed for specific errors which are also discussed hereafter. It is to be appreciated that the associated Error Code bit is set in a message and broadcasted over the wired network 1008 by the motor controller 1002. For each Error Code, a related error icon 51 (
Error Conditions—Priority Class: None.
Error Conditions—Priority Class: Low. Error Handling—Priority Class: Low, takes precedence over all None priority error class handling.
Error Conditions—Priority Class: Medium. Error Handling—Priority Class: Medium takes precedence over all None and Low priority error class handling, and causes the deactivation of the solenoid actuators 1036, 1038 (e.g., within 50 milliseconds) and prevents actuation until such an error condition is cleared.
Error Conditions—Priority Class: High. Error Handling—Priority Class: High takes precedence over all None, Low, and Medium priority class error handling and causes the deactivation of the solenoid actuators 1036, 1038 (e.g., within 50 milliseconds) and prevents actuation until such an error condition is cleared. A power cycle will clear all errors. A transition to sleep mode will suspend all alarms. Actuators are disabled if the current in either of the motors exceeds 40 A for more than 500 milliseconds.
It should now be understood that the embodiments described herein may be utilized to transport patients of various sizes by coupling a support surface such as a patient support surface to the support frame. For example, a lift-off stretcher or an incubator may be removably coupled to the support frame. Therefore, the embodiments described herein may be utilized to load and transport patients ranging from infants to bariatric patients. Furthermore the embodiments described herein, may be loaded onto and/or unloaded from an ambulance by an operator holding a single button to actuate the independently articulating legs (e.g., pressing the “−” button 1037 to load the cot onto an ambulance or pressing the “+” button 1035 to unload the cot from an ambulance). Specifically, the cot 10 may receive an input signal such as from the operator controls. The input signal may be indicative a first direction or a second direction (lower or raise). The pair of loading end legs and the pair of control end legs may be lowered independently when the signal is indicative of the first direction or may be raised independently when the signal is indicative of the second direction.
It is further noted that terms like “preferably,” “generally,” “commonly,” and “typically” are not utilized herein to limit the scope of the claimed embodiments or to imply that certain features are critical, essential, or even important to the structure or function of the claimed embodiments. Rather, these terms are merely intended to highlight alternative or additional features that may or may not be utilized in a particular embodiment of the present disclosure.
For the purposes of describing and defining the present disclosure it is additionally noted that the term “substantially” is utilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. The term “substantially” is also utilized herein to represent the degree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue.
Having provided reference to specific embodiments, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure defined in the appended claims. More specifically, although some aspects of the present disclosure are identified herein as preferred or particularly advantageous, it is contemplated that the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to these preferred aspects of any specific embodiment.
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