CPC A61G 1/0275 (2013.01) [A61G 1/0243 (2013.01); A61G 1/0268 (2013.01); A61G 1/0281 (2013.01); A61G 7/0528 (2016.11); A61G 2203/14 (2013.01); A61G 2203/16 (2013.01); A61G 2203/22 (2013.01)] | 18 Claims |
1. A patient transport apparatus moveable along a floor surface, the patient transport apparatus comprising:
a support structure comprising a base and a patient support surface supported by the base;
a plurality of support wheels coupled to the support structure;
a drive assembly comprising at least one drive member and a powered drive system coupled to the at least one drive member;
a driving assist device actuatable between at least one engaged state and a non-engaged state;
a sensor system to determine a current speed of the at least one drive member; and
a controller coupled to the powered drive system, the driving assist device, and the sensor system, the controller being configured to:
determine if the driving assist device is in the at least one engaged state or the non-engaged state,
compare the current speed relative to a first maximum speed and to a second maximum speed lower than the first maximum speed,
generate a first command to drive the at least one drive member to assist in propelling the patient transport apparatus along a floor surface in a longitudinal direction in response to:
the driving assist device being in the at least one engaged state; and
the current speed being higher than the second maximum speed, and
generate a second command to drive the at least one drive member to assist in propelling the patient transport apparatus in the longitudinal direction or in a second direction along the floor surface transverse to the longitudinal direction in response to:
the driving assist device being in the at least one engaged state; and
the current speed being lower than the second maximum speed.
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