Patent Publication Number: US-2021184729-A1

Title: Wireless bed power

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/122,013, filed Sep. 5, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/771,929, filed Sep. 1, 2015, which is a U.S. National Counterpart Application of International Application Serial No. PCT/US2014/021507 filed Mar. 7, 2014, which claims, under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/776,169 filed Mar. 11, 2013, which are expressly incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure is related to power and communication in patient support apparatuses. More specifically, the present disclosure is related to a patient support apparatus or accessory that receives power and communication from an adjacent structure with no physical connection between the apparatus and the structure. 
     Patient care equipment such as hospital beds, and auxiliary carts and devices in a patient room are each becoming more sophisticated. The patient care equipment has become more sophisticated allowing information about the equipment or a patient related to the equipment to be transmitted to a central information system and made part of a particular patient&#39;s medical record. Mobility of the equipment is important to the provision of care so that the equipment can move with the patient as the patient moves through a hospital to receive care. 
     The use of battery powered equipment is acceptable, but charging of the batteries generally requires that the equipment be physically connected to mains power through a power cord. When necessary, a caregiver must position the equipment in the room and plug a cord into a wall. The location of the power outlet may be behind the preferred position of the equipment such that a caregiver must move the equipment multiple times to get access to the outlet and return the equipment to the preferred location after a cord is connected. The cord hangs from the equipment when not in use and presents a trip hazard. 
     Additionally, communications between the equipment and the central information system may be accomplished through either a wired or wireless datalink, but association of the particular piece of equipment and a particular patient is problematic. In a wired datalink, the connection point of the datalink may be associated with a patient location. Furthermore, a wired datalink may also create additional logistic issues similar to the problems associated with a power cord including the need to connect the datalink and the trip hazard presented by the wired datalink. A wireless datalink creates challenges in that the location of the equipment may not be readily distinguished as several different receiving points may simultaneously detect the same signal. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present application discloses one or more of the features recited in the appended claims and/or the following features which, alone or in any combination, may comprise patentable subject matter: 
     According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a system comprises a patient support apparatus, an architectural unit, a power supply, a communications system and an interface. The patient support apparatus includes a control system. The power supply is coupled to the architectural unit and is operably coupled to a mains power supply. The communication system is operably coupled to an information system. The interface is in electrical communication with the communication system and the power supply. The interface is operable to simultaneously provide power and a communications signal to the patient support apparatus to directly power at least one subsystem of the patient support apparatus while concurrently transferring data between the communication system and the control system of the patient support apparatus without physical contact therebetween. 
     In some embodiments, the interface includes a first portion positioned on the architectural unit and a second portion supported on the patient support apparatus. 
     In some embodiments, the control system of the patient support apparatus is operable to detect that the second portion is powered. In some embodiments, the control system of the patient support apparatus is operable to initialize the operation of the control system utilizing the power transferred through the interface. In some embodiments, the initialization of the operation of the control system includes initiating communication between the control system and the communication system. In some embodiments, the initialization of the operation of the control system includes aligning the first portion and the second portion of the interface to optimize the efficiency of the interface. In some embodiments, aligning the first portion and the second portion includes moving the first portion to an optimized position. In some embodiments, aligning the first portion and the second portion includes moving the first portion in first axis. In some embodiments, aligning the first portion and the second portion includes moving the first portion in a second axis. In some embodiments, aligning the first portion and the second portion includes moving the first portion in a third axis. In some embodiments, aligning the first portion and the second portion includes moving the second portion to an optimized position. In some embodiments, aligning the first portion and the second portion includes moving the second portion in first axis. In some embodiments, aligning the first portion and the second portion includes moving the second portion in a second axis. In some embodiments, aligning the first portion and the second portion includes moving the second portion in a third axis. 
     In some embodiments, aligning the first portion and the second portion includes moving the second portion to an optimized position. 
     In some embodiments, aligning the first portion and the second portion includes varying a position of the first portion according to a search algorithm that maximizes efficiency of the interface. 
     In some embodiments, aligning the first portion and the second portion includes performing a search algorithm to align an optical detector on one of the first portion and the second portion with an optical emitter positioned on the other of the first portion and the second portion. In some embodiments, aligning the first portion and the second portion includes varying a position of the first portion to align an optical detector on one of the first portion and the second portion with an optical emitter positioned on the other of the first portion and the second portion. In some embodiments, aligning the first portion and the second portion includes varying a position of the second portion to align an optical detector on one of the first portion and the second portion with an optical emitter positioned on the other of the first portion and the second portion. 
     In some embodiments, aligning the first portion and the second portion includes performing a search algorithm to align an optical detector on one of the first portion and the second portion with indicia positioned on the other of the first portion and the second portion. 
     In some embodiments, aligning the first portion and the second portion includes varying a position of the second portion to align an optical detector on one of the first portion and the second portion with indicia positioned on the other of the first portion and the second portion. 
     In some embodiments, the interface comprises a wireless communications bus connection. In some embodiments, the control system of the patient support apparatus comprises a communications bus that is compatible with the communications bus of the interface. In some embodiments, the communications system comprises a communications bus that is compatible with the communications bus of the interface. In some embodiments, the communications bus of the interface transfers data between the communications system and the control system of the patient support apparatus. In some embodiments, the communications bus of the interface is RS-438 compatible. In some embodiments, the communications bus of the interface is a CAN bus. 
     In another aspect of the present disclosure, a patient support apparatus comprises a first member, a second member movable relative to the first member, and a first wireless coupler. The first wireless coupler includes a first portion positioned on the first member and a second portion position on the second member. The first wireless coupler is operable to transfer electrical power from the first portion to the second portion throughout the range of motion of the second member as the second member moves between a first position and a second position relative to the first member. 
     In some embodiments, the second member comprises a side rail. 
     In some embodiments, the second member comprises a user interface and the first member comprises a side rail. 
     In some embodiments, the patient support apparatus further comprises a third member supported from the second member and movable relative to the second member. The second wireless coupler is operable to transfer electrical power from the second member to the third member throughout the range of motion of the third member as the third member moves between a first position and a second position relative to the second member. In some embodiments, the first member includes a first receiver operable to receive wireless power from an architectural structure spaced apart from the patient support apparatus, the power received by the first receiver being used to power components on the third member in real time during operation of the patient support apparatus. 
     In another aspect of the present disclosure, a patient support apparatus comprises a barrier, and a user interface supported from the barrier, the user interface responsive to movement of the barrier relative to gravity to maintain the user interface in a first orientation throughout the range of movement of the barrier. 
     In some embodiments, gravity acts on the user interface to maintain user interface in the first orientation. 
     In some embodiments, the patient support apparatus further comprises a motor positioned on the barrier and engaged with the user interface, the motor operable to move the user interface during movement of the barrier to maintain the user interface in the first orientation. In some embodiments, the patient support apparatus further comprises a controller coupled to the motor and an accelerometer coupled to the controller. The accelerometer provides a signal indicative of the orientation of the barrier. The controller modifies the position of the user interface relative to the barrier by operating the motor to maintain the user interface in the first orientation regardless of the position of the barrier. In some embodiments, the user interface includes a pivot received in a journal on a body of the barrier, the pivot movable within the journal to prevent movement between the user interface and the barrier. In some embodiments, the pivot includes a plurality of conductors positioned on at least a portion of the periphery of the pivot, each conductor spaced apart from an adjacent conductor along a longitudinal length of the pivot and coupled to circuitry supported in the user interface. In some embodiments, the barrier further includes a plurality of brushes, each brush positioned to engage one of the conductors of the pivot, each brush an annular conductor forming a first electrical circuit that is maintained throughout the range of motion of the user interface relative to the barrier. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a system for powering an article of patient care equipment comprises an article of patient care equipment, a plurality of batteries, a battery receiver, a charging mat and means for causing a first of the plurality of batteries to be received in the battery receiver while a second of the batteries is positioned in the battery receiver, the first and second batteries simultaneously powering the electrical circuitry. The patient care equipment includes a frame and electrical circuitry. The battery receiver is supported from the frame. The battery receiver has a first end and a second end and is configured to frictionally grip at least one of the batteries. The charging mat is positioned on a floor and operable to support at least one of the plurality of batteries and charge the battery while the battery is supported on the charging mat. 
     In some embodiments, the system further comprises means for causing the second battery to be ejected. In some embodiments, the first battery acts on the second battery to urge the second battery out of the battery receiver. In some embodiments, the means for causing a first of the plurality of batteries to be received in the battery receiver while a second of the batteries is positioned in the battery receiver comprises a retractable barrier supported on the floor, the first battery engaging the barrier as the article of patient care equipment moves over the floor. 
     In some embodiments, the plurality of batteries have positive and negative terminals that engage the battery receiver when the batteries are frictionally gripped by the battery receiver. 
     In some embodiments, the battery receiver includes guides positioned at the first end. 
     Additional features, which alone or in combination with any other feature(s), including those listed above and those listed in the claims, may comprise patentable subject matter and will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying figures in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a diagrammatic representation of a patient support apparatus positioned in a hospital room such that a wireless coupler transfers data and/or power between a transmitter on an architectural structure in the room and receiver on the patient support apparatus; 
         FIG. 2  is a diagrammatic representation of a wall of a hospital room that includes a studded wall and an architectural structure positioned adjacent the studded wall, the architectural structure supporting a wireless power/data transmitter and a display panel for displaying status of the patient and patient support apparatus associated with the architectural structure; 
         FIG. 3  is a diagrammatic representation of a wall of the hospital room that includes a studded wall and an architectural structure supporting another embodiment of a wireless power/data transmitter as well as a panel of medical service outlets, the hospital room including a display panel for displaying the status of the patient and patient support apparatus associated with the architectural structure, the display panel supported on the studded wall; 
         FIG. 4  is a plan view of a frame structure of an architectural structure viewed from the backside of the architectural structure, the frame supporting an adjustment mechanism operable to adjust the position of a power/data transmitter supported on the architectural structure; 
         FIG. 5  is a block diagram of a power control unit for a wireless coupler, the power control unit including a power supply and a controller; 
         FIG. 6  is a diagrammatic representation of a structure used to identify that the transmitter and receiver of a wireless power/data coupler is properly aligned; 
         FIG. 7  is a diagrammatic representation of another embodiment of patient support apparatus positioned in a hospital room such that a wireless coupler transfers data and/or power between a transmitter on a floor of the room and receiver on the patient support apparatus; 
         FIG. 8  is a diagrammatic representation of yet another embodiment of patient support apparatus positioned in a hospital room such that a wireless coupler that transfers data and/or power between the transmitter on a floor of the room and receiver on the patient support apparatus; 
         FIG. 9  is a diagrammatic representation of still yet another embodiment of the patient support apparatus that includes a transmitter of wireless power and/or data positioned on a fixed member of the patient support apparatus with a respective receiver positioned on a moving frame of the patient support apparatus; 
         FIG. 10  is a diagrammatic representation of a side rail of the patient support apparatus of  FIG. 9  in an inclined orientation due to movement of one of the members of the patient support apparatus, a user interface of the side rail being maintained in a generally vertical orientation relative to a body of the side rail due to the force of gravity acting on the user interface thereby causing the user interface to pivot relative to the body of the side rail; 
         FIG. 11  is an end view of the side rail of  FIG. 9  with a wireless power/data receiver on the side rail position adjacent a wireless power/data transmitter on an upper frame of the patient support apparatus; 
         FIG. 12  is a plan view of the body of the side rail of  FIGS. 9-11 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a plan view of another embodiment of a side rail having a user interface that is movable relative to the side rail body to maintain user interface in a generally vertical orientation for ease-of-use by a caregiver; 
         FIG. 14  is a plan view of the body of the side rail of  FIG. 13  with the user interface omitted; 
         FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view of the side rail of  FIG. 13  taken along lines  15 - 15  of  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a side rail having a user interfaces pivotable relative to the side rail body, the user interface supported on a pivot that includes a number of conductors that engage brushes supported on the side rail body to maintain electrical connection therebetween; 
         FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of the side rail having a user interface pivotable relative to the side rail body, the user interface supported on a pivot that is rotated by a drive control by controller that is responsive to the position of the side rail based upon information provided by an accelerometer; 
         FIG. 18  is a diagram of a side rail having accelerometer in communication with a controller of the side rail that communicates the position of the side rail relative to gravity to user interface to control the orientation of the image on the user interface, the image in a first orientation; 
         FIG. 19  is a plan view similar to  FIG. 18  with the side rail in a second orientation and the image on the user interface being rotated to maintain the generally vertical orientation of the image; 
         FIG. 20  is a diagrammatic view of a healthcare cart positioned such that a transmitter on the floor of a room cooperates with a receiver on the cart to form a wireless coupler operable to transfer power and/or data between the transmitter and the receiver; 
         FIG. 21  is a side view of a portion of a cart having a structure for hot swapping batteries positioned adjacent a hot swap station; 
         FIG. 22  is a side view similar to  FIG. 21  with the cart position so that a first battery is engaging a battery grip while a second battery is simultaneously being ejected from the battery grip, the leads of both batteries simultaneously engaged to maintain power to the cart; and 
         FIG. 23  is a side view similar to  FIGS. 21-22 , the hot swap complete as shown in  FIG. 23 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     In one embodiment of a patient support apparatus  10 , illustratively embodied as a bed, the patient support apparatus  10  includes a receiver  12  that simultaneously receives power and data over a wireless datalink  14 . When the receiver  12  is placed in proximity to a transmitter  18  positioned on an architectural structure  16 , such as a medical headwall, for example, the transmitter  18  is operable to detect the presence of the receiver  12  and to initiate the transfer of power and/or data over the wireless datalink  14 . 
     The transmitter  18  and receiver  12  cooperate to define a wireless coupler  20  that is illustratively embodied as a Proxi-Point™ apparatus available from PowerbyProxi™, Inc. of Pleasanton, Calif. When the patient support apparatus  10  is moved into proximity of the medical headwall  16 , the transmitter  18  senses the presence of the receiver  12  and begins the wireless transmission of power and/or data over link  14 . In some embodiments, the transmitter  18  continuously generates power waves that, when in the range of receiver  12 , cause receiver  12  to become powered, allowing receiver  12  to generate an identification signal to the transmitter  18  so that the transmitter  18  becomes aware that the wireless coupler  20  is operational. In some embodiments, the receiver  12  generates a wireless signal when power is received. When the wireless signal is received by the transmitter  18 , the transmitter  18  initiates communications with the receiver  12 . 
     The medical headwall  16  is positioned adjacent a studded wall  22  of a hospital room  24 . The hospital room  24  also includes a suspended ceiling  26 . As shown diagrammatically in the illustrative embodiment of  FIG. 1 , a structural wall  28  is spaced apart from the studded wall  22  to form a space therebetween. Similarly, a structural ceiling  30  is positioned above the suspended ceiling  26  such that a space is formed between the structural ceiling  30  and the suspended ceiling  26 . A service line  32  is positioned in the space between the ceilings  26 ,  30  and the walls  22 ,  28  so that mains power supply is routed to an wireless coupler controller  34  positioned in the service space between the walls  22 ,  28 , the wireless coupler controller  34  providing operational power to the transmitter  18 . A separate, hardwired communications bus may also be positioned in the service line  32  to transfer a communications signal between the transmitter  18  and an network  38 . In some embodiments, the communications bus of the interface is RS-438 compatible. In some embodiments, the communications bus of the interface is a CAN bus. 
     The patient support apparatus  10  illustratively includes a lower frame  40 , a lift system  42 , and an upper frame  44  which is movable vertically relative to the lower frame  40  when the lift system  42  is actuated. In the illustrative embodiment shown diagrammatically in  FIG. 1 , the receiver  12  is mounted to a headboard  46  which is supported from the lower frame  40  which causes the receiver  12  to be maintained in a fixed vertical position relative to a floor  48  of the hospital room  24 . In this embodiment, the vertical position of the transmitter  18  is fixed relative to the floor  48  such that there is no need for adjustment of the vertical position of either the transmitter  18  or receiver  12 . It should be understood that in other embodiments the headboard  46  may be mounted to the upper frame  44  in a manner similar to a foot board  50  shown in  FIG. 1 . As will be discussed in further detail below, when the receiver is mounted to the movable upper frame  44 , the vertical position of the upper frame  44  may be changed to facilitate vertical alignment of the transmitter  18  and receiver  12 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , an embodiment of a medical headwall  116  is shown diagrammatically positioned adjacent a wall  22 . The medical headwall  116  includes a display panel  52  which is operable to display information related to the patient support apparatus  10  and a patient supported on the patient support apparatus  10  which has been associated with a particular location in a healthcare facility. For example, the room number and location is displayed along with a patient name and the status of the patient support apparatus  10 . In other embodiments, other information or statuses may also be displayed on the display panel  52 . The medical headwall  116  includes a number of panels  54 ,  56  which provide an architectural effect as is known in the art. The structure of the medical headwall  116  may include embodiments such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20120/0095604 entitled “MODULAR ARCHITECTURAL ROOM SYSTEM,” which is incorporated in its entirety be reference herein. The transmitter  18  is positioned in an aperture  58  and is movable between a plurality of positions as suggested by the positions shown in broken lines in  FIG. 2 . Movement of the transmitter  18  in the aperture  58  permits adjustment of the transmitter  18  to a location in which it is aligned with the receiver  12  positioned on the patient support apparatus  10 . Alignment of the transmitter  18  and the receiver  12  optimizes the transfer of power and data between the transmitter  18  and receiver  12 . 
     In another embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , display panel  52  is mounted directly to wall  22  above another embodiment of medical headwall  216 . Medical headwall  216  includes a panel  60  which may include one or more service outlets such as a medical gas outlet  62 , a power outlet  64 , or a data port  66 . In the illustrative embodiment of  FIG. 3 , the transmitter  18  is positioned in a horizontally oriented aperture  68  in a panel  70  on the medical headwall  216 . In the illustrative embodiment of  FIG. 3 , transmitter  18  is movable horizontally within the aperture  68  to plurality of positions as suggested by the positions shown in broken lines in  FIG. 3 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , transmitter  18  is movable manually to align transmitter  18  with a receiver  12  on the patient support apparatus  10 . Because the receiver  12  is in a fixed position vertically and the transmitter  18  is in a fixed position vertically, there is no need for vertical alignment therebetween. However, the horizontal alignment permits a caregiver to simply position the patient support apparatus  10  near the transmitter  18  and slide the transmitter  18  to align the position of the transmitter  18  with the receiver  12 . 
     It should be understood that the aperture  58  of the embodiment of  FIG. 2  may be modified to a shape other than an elliptical shape to compensate for other ranges of adjustment that might be necessary. The transmitter  18  may be moved in a lateral direction as indicated by an arrow  72  or a vertical direction as indicated by an arrow  74  in  FIG. 2 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , the position of the transmitter  18  may be adjusted both vertically and laterally by an adjustment mechanism  84  that is supported from a frame  86  of the medical headwall  116 . The adjustment mechanism  84  is suspended from a crossbeam  88  that spans between two vertical frame members  90  and  92  of the medical headwall  116 . The adjustment mechanism includes a frame  94  that is supported from the crossbeam  88  by a pair of rollers  96  and  98 . An actuator  100  is coupled to the frame  94  and the vertical frame member  90  such that extension and retraction of the actuator  100  as indicated by arrow  102  causes lateral movement of the frame  94  and thereby the transmitter  18  to adjust the position of the transmitter  18 . Similarly, an actuator  104  is coupled to a horizontal cross member  106  of the frame  94  at one end. A cross beam  108  is coupled to the transmitter  18  and engages a first frame member  110  and a second frame member  112  of the adjustment mechanism  84  by respective rollers  114  and  118 . Extension and retraction of the actuator  104  as indicated by the arrow  120  causes movement of the transmitter  18  vertically. The transmitter  18  is coupled to the wireless coupler controller  34  by a flexible cord  122 . The actuator  100  receives power from the wireless coupler controller  34  through a cord  124  and the actuator  104  receives power from the wireless coupler controller  34  through a flexible cord  126 . 
     As shown diagrammatically in  FIG. 5 , the wireless coupler controller  34  includes a controller  128  and a power supply  130 . The power supply  130  is coupled to the mains power  36  and is operable to provide power to the transmitter  18  as required to operate the wireless coupler  20 . The power supply  130  is under control of the controller  128  which includes a processor  132  coupled to a memory device  134 . The memory device  134  includes the instructions used by the processor  132  to operate the wireless coupler  20 . The processor is also in communication with an I/O subsystem  136  that is coupled to the network  38  and communicates with the patient support apparatus  10  through the wireless coupler  20 . The I/O subsystem  136  operates communications circuitry  138  that provides the communications interface between the transmitter  18  and the I/O subsystem  136 . In some embodiments, the I/O subsystem  136  may be omitted and the processor  132  may control the communication circuitry  138  directly. However, in embodiments where the I/O subsystem  136  is present, the I/O subsystem  136  may act as a translator between the communication circuitry  138  of the wireless coupler controller  34  and the network  38 . The I/O subsystem  136  may communicate using a first protocol with the network  38  while the transmitter  18  utilizes a second protocol with the communications circuitry  138 . 
     In addition the I/O subsystem  136  is operable to control the actuators  100  and  104  through respective cords  124  and  126 . In some embodiments, the power supply  130  is operable to provide feedback to the processor  132  regarding the efficiency of power transfer from the power supply  130  through the transmitter  18  to the receiver  12 . The processor  132  may operate the adjustment mechanism  84  to search for the position of the transmitter  18  which maximizes the efficiency of the power transfer between the transmitter  18  and receiver  12 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , the wireless coupler  20  may further include an optical detector  140  positioned adjacent the transmitter  18  and an emitter  142  positioned adjacent the receiver  12 , the emitter  142  providing a directed light signal that when detected by the optical detector  140  indicates that the transmitter  18  and receiver  12  are properly aligned. When the detector  140  and emitter  142  are present, the processor  132  may move the transmitter  18  and optical detector  140  combination in a search pattern until proper alignment of the optical detector  140  and emitter  142  is detected. In embodiments where the actuators  100  and  104  are not present, the optical detector  140  may illuminate an LED  146  on a housing  144  of the optical detector  140  to indicate proper alignment. Thus, a user may reposition the transmitter  18  until the LED  146  is illuminated to indicate proper alignment. 
     In another embodiment shown diagrammatically in  FIG. 7 , a patient support apparatus  210  is similar to the patient support apparatus  10 , however patient support apparatus  210  includes a receiver  212  positioned on the lower side of the lower frame  40 . A transmitter  218  is positioned on the floor  48  adjacent the studded wall  22 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 7  there is no medical headwall and the patient support apparatus  210  is positioned near the studded wall  22  such that the receiver  212  is positioned over the transmitter  218 . Because the lower frame  40  has a fixed vertical position relative to the floor  48 , the receiver  212  maintains a fixed vertical position so that it is properly spaced from the transmitter  218 . The transmitter  218  is positioned in a housing  220  and may be movable laterally (into and out of the page as shown in  FIG. 7 ) in a manner similar to the adjustment of the embodiment of  FIG. 3 . The structure of the embodiment of  FIG. 7  may include an adjustment mechanism  84  similar to that disclosed in the embodiment of  FIG. 4 , however, the orientation of the adjustment mechanism  84  would result in the transmitter  18  being moved horizontally as indicated by the arrow  222  as opposed to vertically as described in the embodiment of  FIG. 3 . The lateral adjustment of the transmitter  218  would be similar to that of the embodiment of  FIG. 3 . The wireless coupler controller  34  is electrically connected to the transmitter  218  in the adjustment mechanism  84  through the studded wall  22 . 
     As suggested by  FIG. 7 , a display panel  52  is positioned on the studded wall  22  and is in communication with the wireless coupler controller  34  and the network  38 . It should be understood that the display panel  52  may be similarly connected in any of the embodiments described herein. 
     In still another embodiment shown diagrammatically in  FIG. 8 , a patient support apparatus  310  includes two separate receivers  312  and  313  each of which are positioned on a lower side of the lower frame  40 . The transmitter  318  is embodied as a pad position in the floor  48 . Again, because the receivers  312  and  313  are positioned in a fixed position vertically, the spacing between the transmitter  318  and the receivers  312  and  313  is maintained. In the embodiment of  FIG. 8 , there is no need to align the receivers  312  and  313  with the transmitter  318 . 
     Each of the patient support apparatuses  10 ,  210 , and  310  are embodied with a receiver that is operable to receive power from a respective transmitter  18 ,  218  or,  318 . In each embodiment, the transmitter and receiver pair is also operable to allow for two way wireless communication therebetween so that the patient support apparatus may share information with the network  38 . In addition, it is contemplated that the transfer of power between each transmitter and receiver pair would be sufficient to operate the respective patient support apparatus directly. In some embodiments, the power transfer may result in a transfer of power to a charging circuit of a battery system for the respective patient support apparatus with the patient support apparatus drawing from the battery system to operate. Thus the battery system would be subject to constant charging while only being depleted when the patient support apparatus actually draws power from the battery supply. 
     An additional advantage of having the ability to wirelessly transmit power includes the ability, as suggested in  FIG. 9 , to have power transmitted across interfaces between frame members of the respective patient support apparatus. For example, a patient support apparatus  410 , shown in  FIG. 9 , includes two separate receivers  412  and  413  similar to the receivers  312  and  313  discussed above. Circuitry in the patient support apparatus  410  permits the transfer of power from the receivers  412  and  413  to a transmitter  418  positioned on a headboard  446  of the patient support apparatus  410 . The transmitter  418  then transfers the power to a receiver  422  positioned on the upper frame  444  of the patient support apparatus  410 . The transmitter  418  is structured similarly to the transmitter  318  discussed above such that movement of the upper frame  444  vertically as indicated by arrows  400  by the arrow  424  maintains the receiver  422  adjacent the transmitter  418  so that power is transferred to the upper frame  444  regardless of the position of the upper frame relative to the lower frame  40 . 
     The patient support apparatus  410  includes a side rail  448 . The side rail  448  is mounted to a head section  450  supported on the upper frame  444  and pivotable relative to the upper frame  444 . A user interface  452  supported from the side rail  448  is pivotable relative to the side rail  448  about an axis  454 . Pivoting of the head section  450  relative to the upper frame  444  causes the side rail  448  to pivot as suggested in  FIG. 10 . Because the user interface  452  is pivotable about the axis  454  the weight of the user interface  452  causes the user interface  452  to rotate about the axis  454  so that the user interface maintains a generally vertical orientation throughout the range of motion of the head section  450  and side rail  448 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 11 , it can be seen that a portion of upper frame  444  shown in cross-section supports a transmitter  456  which receives power through an electrical connection  459 . A receiver  460  embedded in the body of the side rail  448  is operable to transfer the power and data received from the transmitter  456  to a transmitter  462  positioned in the body of the side rail  448  behind the user interface  452 . A receiver  464  is positioned on the back of the user interface  452  and operable to transfer power and data to circuitry in the user interface  452 . In the illustrative embodiment of  FIGS. 9-11 , the user interface  452  is a graphical interface including touch screen technology. In other embodiments, the user interface  452  may include one or more LED displays and traditional momentary switches in place of, or cooperating with, the graphical interface with touch screen technology. The user interface  452  is supported on a pivot  466  supported in a socket  468  formed in the body of the side rail  448 . It should be understood that any of a number of bearings known in the art may be implemented to facilitate rotation of the user interface  452  relative to the body of the side rail  448 . 
     The body of the side rail  448  is shown in a plan view in  FIG. 12 . The transmitter  462  has an arcuate shape centered on the axis  454  so that as the receiver  464  pivots with the user interface  452  about the axis  454  the receiver  464  is continuously positioned adjacent at least a portion of the transmitter  462 . Similarly, receiver  460  has an irregular shape that is configured to maintain at least a portion of the receiver  460  adjacent the transmitter  456  during movement of the side rail  448 . In some embodiments, the movement of the side rail  448  may not follow a specifically circular path during movement of the head section  450  from a lowered position as shown in  FIG. 9  to a raised position. In some embodiments, the pivot axis  458  of the head section  450  may move along the upper frame  444  as indicated by an arrow  471 . This compound pivoting and translating motion is known in the art to reduce shear on the skin at the patient&#39;s hips when the head section  450  is raised. Thus, the shape of the receiver  460  maybe specifically configured to follow the compound motion that occurs with movement of the head section  450  between the lowered and raised positions. 
     Another embodiment of side rail  470  is shown in  FIG. 13  and includes a user interface  472  which is movable relative to the body  474  of the side rail  470 . The body  474  is formed to include a channel  476  (best seen in  FIG. 14 ) which receives a carriage  478  (shown in  FIG. 15 ). The carriage  478  engages the channel  476  with rollers  480  and  482  of the carriage  478  rolling along surfaces  484  and  486  of the channel  476 . Similar to the embodiment of  FIGS. 9-12 , the user interface  472  will pivot about an imaginary axis  488  as the side rail  470  moves with a head section  450  of a patient support apparatus. The user interface  472  has a portion which depends from the carriage  478  such that gravity acts on the user interface  472  to cause the user interface  472  to move in a channel  476  as the side rail  470  moves with the head section  450 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 15 , a receiver  460  is positioned in the body  474  as described above with regard to the embodiment of  FIGS. 9-12 . The receiver  460  is in communication with a transmitter  490  through a cable  489 . The transmitter  490  is in a fixed position in the channel  476  and operable to transfer power and data to a receiver  492  positioned in the carriage  478  and in communication with circuitry in the user interface  472 . 
     In yet another embodiment shown in  FIG. 16 , a side rail  500  includes a side rail body  502  that is formed to include a journal cylinder  504  positioned in a cavity  506  in the body  502 . A pivot  508  is coupled to a user interface  510  and supported in the journal  504  for rotation about an axis  512 . The pivot  508  is formed to include four annular rings  514 ,  516 ,  518 , and  520 . Each of the annular rings  514 ,  516 ,  518 , and  520  is a conductor that is operatively coupled to an independent wire (not shown) associated with each of the annular rings  514 ,  516 ,  518 , and  520  and connected to circuitry in the user interface  510 . Each of the annular rings  514 ,  516 ,  518 , and  520  engages a respective brush  522 ,  524 ,  526 ,  528 . Each brush  522 ,  524 ,  526 , and  528  is electrical to vacation with a respective conductor  530 ,  532 ,  534 , and  536 . Conductor  530  is a power line, conductor  532  is a ground line, conductor  534  is a first member of a twisted-pair used for serial communications and conductor  536  is the second conductor of the twisted-pair. 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 16 , there is no wireless transfer of power or data between the side rail body  502  and user interface  510 , but communication occurs through the physical connection between the brushes  522 ,  524 ,  526 , and  528  and the respective annular rings  514 ,  516 ,  518 , and  520 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 16 , the weight of the user interface  510  below the axis  512  causes the pivot  508  to rotate in the journal  504  for as the side rail  500  moves with a head section  450 . Thus, the user interface  510  maintains a generally vertical orientation similar to that of the user interface  452  discussed above throughout the range of motion of the side rail  500 . 
     In another embodiment shown in  FIG. 17 , a side rail  550  includes a side rail body  552  which supports a drive  554  controlled by controller  556 . The controller  556  is operable to receive the signal from an accelerometer  558  which is indicative of the elevation of the side rail  550 . The drive  554  is controlled by the controller to rotate a pivot  560  which is similar to the pivot  508  of the illustrative embodiment of  FIG. 16 . The remaining structure of the side rail  550  has the same structure as the side rail  500  with the user interface being moved relative to the body  552  by the drive  554  as opposed to gravity as described in the description of side rail  500 . 
     Yet another embodiment shown in  FIGS. 18 and 19 , the accelerometer  600  may provide feedback to the controller  604  which then communicates with the user interface  610  to inform the user interface  610  of the angular orientation. The user interface  610  does not move physically relative to the side rail body  606 , but software in the user interface  610  rotates the image  612  through an angle  616  and functionality of user-interface  610  so that the image  612  is maintained in a vertical orientation relative to horizontal, including user inputs that may be displayed on a touch screen  614  of the user interface  610 . This has the benefit of eliminating the potential for failures at a mechanical interface when the user interface moves relative to a side rail body of described above. 
     It should be understood that each of the side rail embodiments  500  and  550  may wirelessly receive electrical signals in a manner similar to the side rail  448  of  FIGS. 9-12  with the connections between the side rail body in user interface being the mechanical engagement of brushes  522 ,  524 ,  526 ,  528  with annular conductors  514 ,  516 ,  518 , and  522  eliminate the wireless transmission at the user interface  510 . Those of ordinary skill the art will also recognize that an electrical connection may be transferred through a linkage connecting the respective side rail  500  or  550  and the upper frame  444  as described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,073,220 entitled “BED SIDERAIL HAVING A LATCH” which is incorporated in it&#39;s entirety by reference herein. Functionality of the disclosed user interfaces such as user interfaces  452 ,  472 , or  510  may include various functionality, such as the functionality disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0235872 entitled “USER INTERFACE FOR HOSPITAL BED,” which is incorporated in it&#39;s entirety by reference herein. 
     It should be understood that the disclosure herein includes variations which may be interchanged to arrive at embodiments that include portions of the different illustrative embodiments shown herein. For example, the embodiment of  FIG. 1  which includes the receiver  12  mounted on the headboard  46  may be combined with the transmitter  418  mounted to the illustrative headboard  446  of  FIG. 9 . It should be understood that the present disclosure includes the ability to transfer power and/or data between environmental structures and portions of the patient support apparatus. In addition, the present disclosure contemplates that the use of wireless transmitters and receivers may permit the transfer of power and data between a first component and a second component which moves relative to the first component without the need for a physical connection between the two components, thereby eliminating the potential for failure of electrical conductors due to damage or fatigue the develops over multiple movements. 
     The benefit of using wireless couplers to transfer power and/or data between a first component and a second component that moves relative to the first component includes eliminating potential trip risks in excess cabling. It also includes the benefit of having reduced cabling between frames of the patient support apparatus. In addition, the potential for a user interface to be maintained in a particular orientation during movement of frame members of the patient support apparatus improves the usability of user interface for caregivers. 
     A similar benefit may be achieved when a computer cart  700  utilizes a wireless coupler  702  to wirelessly transfer power and/or data between a transmitter  704  positioned on the floor and a receiver  706  positioned in the cart  700 . Carts, such as the illustrative cart  700 , are used by caregivers and moved from room to room to perform data entry while the caregivers move between patients. The illustrative cart  700  includes a control system  708  which communicates with a computer  710 . A user input device  712  such as a keyboard, for example, is supported on a frame member  714  of the cart  700 . A display or monitor,  716  is also supported on the frame  714 . 
     The receiver  706  communicates with the control system  708  which includes at least one battery (not shown) that powers the electrical systems of the cart  700  when the cart is not position with the receiver  706  adjacent the transmitter  704 . The cart  700  includes casters  718  and  720  which supports a lower frame  722  and allows the cart  700  to be moved over the floor  48 . The illustrative cart includes drawers  724  and  726  which provide for storage of medical supplies such as syringes, bandages, disposable thermometer sleeves, and the like as well as other equipment or supplies that may be required by the caregiver. When the cart  700  is positioned over the transmitter  704  in a docked position, power and/or data may be transferred between the transmitter  704  and receiver  706 , with the data connection being a higher speed than a standard wireless Wi-Fi connection. The network  38  may also be in communication with the wireless coupler controller  34  as described above. 
     In yet another embodiment, a hot-swap station  728  includes an inductive charging pad  730  that is positioned on the floor  48  so that a battery  732  may be positioned on the inductive charging pad  730 , the inductive charging pad receiving power from a wireless coupler controller  34  as shown in  FIG. 20 . A frictional battery grip  734  positioned on the bottom of a frame  736  of a cart  738  includes guides  740  and  742  which engage the battery  732  as the cart is moved over the hot-swap station  728 . The guides capture the battery  732  and as the cart is moved in the direction of arrow  739  the battery engages a surface  741  of a bumper  743  so that the battery  732  is pushed into the battery grip  734 . The battery  732  displaces a battery  744  which is pushed out of a backside  746  of the battery grip  734 . The battery  732  includes a negative contact  748  positioned on the side of the battery  732  and a positive contact  750  position on the top of the battery  732 . As shown progressively in  FIGS. 20-22 , as battery  732  engages the grip  734 , the negative contact  748  contacts a side  752  of the grip  734  and the positive contact  750  contacts a surface  754  of the grip  734 . Thus, the battery  732  is actively engaged in transferring power to the cart  738  as it is being moved into the grip and displacing the battery  744 . In this way, the batteries  732  and  744  are “hot swapped” without powering down the cart  738 . Once the frame  736  of the cart  738  engages the bumper  743 , the battery  744  is disengaged from the frictional grip  734  and rests on the inductive pad  730 . The bumper can then be retracted into the floor  48  by an actuator  760  to permit cart to continue to move and leave the battery  744  on the inductive pad  730  to be charged. 
     Utilizing the hot swapping approach disclosed above a cart or a patient support apparatus may be continued to be powered while batteries are hot swapped eliminating the need for power cords and the requirement that the particular device such as a cart or a patient support apparatus be maintained in a particular position to receive a charge. This approach has the benefit of maintaining power to the device and quickly changing a battery without the need for a caregiver to handle the batteries, thereby reducing the opportunity for the transfer of contamination. When this approach is used, the device, such as a cart or patient support apparatus, for example, may maintain wireless communication utilizing traditional wireless technology as is known in the art. It should be understood that hot swapping may be used in conjunction with other embodiments disclosed herein that permit wireless transfer of power and/or data between moving members of a device. 
     Although certain illustrative embodiments have been described in detail above, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of this disclosure as described and as defined in the following claims.