How Smart Patient Beds Adjust Speed Based on Patient Needs
This patent describes a system for patient support apparatuses, like hospital beds, that can automatically adjust how fast their moving parts operate based on what a user inputs or what the patient's body needs.
Original patent title: “Patient support systems and methods for assisting caregivers with patient care”
This patent describes a system for patient support apparatuses, like hospital beds, that can automatically adjust how fast their moving parts operate based on what a user inputs or what the patient's body needs. Granted in 2026.
Coverage
What does this patent actually cover?
This patent outlines a patient support system that includes a patient support apparatus, such as a hospital bed. This apparatus has an actuatable device, which is a part that can move or perform specific actions. A controller is included to manage how quickly this actuatable device operates. The patent specifies that this rate of operation is adjusted based on either a user's input, like a caregiver's command, or a patient's condition, such as their movement or vital signs. For example, a bed might slowly recline if a patient is frail, or quickly adjust if a caregiver needs to reposition them urgently.
The gap
What does this patent NOT cover?
- Does not cover patient support systems that lack an actuatable device, such as a simple, non-adjustable bed.
- Does not cover systems where the rate of operation of an actuatable device is not controlled at all, only turned on or off.
- Does not cover systems where the control of the actuatable device's rate is not based on user input or a patient's condition, for example, if it's based purely on a pre-set timer.
- Does not cover patient support systems where the actuatable device performs functions unrelated to the patient support apparatus itself.
These exclusions are unique to PatentBrief — derived from the actual claim language, not patent-office boilerplate.
Key facts
What made this novel
The noveltynoveltyThe requirement that an invention be different from anything publicly known before its priority date.Read more → lies in dynamically controlling the *rate of operation* of patient support devices, not just their activation, based on real-time user input or the patient's actual condition. This allows for nuanced, adaptive assistance rather than simple on/off functionality.
Schematic visualization of the patent's claim structure. Hand-drawn diagrams in progress for each landmark patent.
Where you've seen this
Real-world examples
Smart hospital beds that adjust their recline speed
Patient lift systems with variable lifting speeds
Adjustable examination tables in clinics
Home care beds with automated positioning features
Why it matters
The bigger picture
This technology aims to improve patient care by making support systems more responsive and safer. By automatically adjusting the speed of movements, it can prevent injuries, enhance comfort, and reduce the physical strain on caregivers. This approach allows for personalized care, adapting the equipment's function to the unique and changing needs of each patient.
Filed
March 29, 2023
Granted
September 15, 2026
Market context
Who's building on this
Companies in this space
Major medical device manufacturers like Stryker, Hill-Rom (now Baxter), and Arjo are continuously innovating in patient support systems. These companies develop hospital beds, stretchers, and patient lifts that incorporate advanced controls and automation. Startups in elder care technology also explore similar concepts to enhance home-based patient assistance.
Market impact
The development of more intelligent patient support systems has led to a market focus on patient safety and caregiver efficiency. Patents like this contribute to a trend where medical equipment is becoming less static and more adaptive, potentially reducing caregiver injuries and improving patient outcomes. This drives competition among manufacturers to offer more sophisticated, integrated solutions for hospitals and home care.
Claim 1 — Plain English
What this patent covers
This patent outlines a patient support system that includes a patient support apparatus, such as a hospital bed. This apparatus has an actuatable device, which is a part that can move or perform specific actions. A controller is included to manage how quickly this actuatable device operates. The patent specifies that this rate of operation is adjusted based on either a user's input, like a caregiver's command, or a patient's condition, such as their movement or vital signs. For example, a bed might slowly recline if a patient is frail, or quickly adjust if a caregiver needs to reposition them urgently.
The clever bit
The novelty lies in dynamically controlling the *rate of operation* of patient support devices, not just their activation, based on real-time user input or the patient's actual condition. This allows for nuanced, adaptive assistance rather than simple on/off functionality.
What it does not cover
- Does not cover patient support systems that lack an actuatable device, such as a simple, non-adjustable bed.
- Does not cover systems where the rate of operation of an actuatable device is not controlled at all, only turned on or off.
- Does not cover systems where the control of the actuatable device's rate is not based on user input or a patient's condition, for example, if it's based purely on a pre-set timer.
- Does not cover patient support systems where the actuatable device performs functions unrelated to the patient support apparatus itself.
Patent timeline
Application submitted to the patent office
Patent officially issued
PatentBrief Score
Impact Score
Early stage
Citation count
0/40
No citations yet
Claim breadth
0/20
Narrow claimsclaimsThe numbered statements at the end of a patent that legally define what the inventor owns.Read more →
Recency
20/20
Granted within 5 years
Assignee scale
0/20
Independent or smaller assigneeassigneeThe entity that owns the patent — usually the inventor's employer or a company.Read more →
PatentBrief Impact Score — based on citation count, claim breadth, recency, and assignee scale. Not a legal assessment.
Heuristic Value Estimate
What this patent might be worth
$26K – $84K
Midpoint $53K · 16.5 yr remaining · industry ×2.2
Heuristic only — blends forward/backward citation counts, claim scope, time remaining, litigation history, and CPC-derived industry baseline. Real valuations need a professional appraisal.
Claim text not yet imported for this patent
Concepts involved
Cite this patent
(2026). How Smart Patient Beds Adjust Speed Based on Patient Needs (U.S. Patent No. 12,734,087). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12734087/patient-support-systems-and-methods-for-assisting-caregivers-with-patient-care
Auto-generated from the patent record. Double-check author order and the issue date against the official USPTO document before submitting.
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Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does How Smart Patient Beds Adjust Speed Based on Patient Needs cover?
This patent describes a system for patient support apparatuses, like hospital beds, that can automatically adjust how fast their moving parts operate based on what a user inputs or what the patient's body needs.
When does this patent expire?
This patent is expected to expire on September 15, 2046, when the invention enters the public domain.
What problem does this patent solve?
This technology aims to improve patient care by making support systems more responsive and safer. By automatically adjusting the speed of movements, it can prevent injuries, enhance comfort, and reduce the physical strain on caregivers. This approach allows for personalized care, adapting the equipment's function to the unique and changing needs of each patient.
What does this patent NOT cover?
Does not cover patient support systems that lack an actuatable device, such as a simple, non-adjustable bed.
Patent monitoring