US Patent 8984685 Patient support apparatus and controls therefor

A patient support apparatus system includes sensors adapted to sense a gesture of a person, or forces exerted by the person on the patient support apparatus, and to control the movement of a component of the patient support apparatus based on the gesture or forces. The movement of the patient support apparatus matches the direction of the person's gesture or applied forces. The speed of the gesture and magnitude of the applied force also influence the movement of the patient support apparatus component. The controlled movement may be the upward and downward motion of a patient support deck on the patient support apparatus, or it may be the pivoting of a section of the patient support deck, or it may be other movement. Control of the patient support apparatus is carried out based on the intent of the user, as evidenced by the user's gesture or applied forces.