Burke TRI-FLEX Quick start guide

TRI-FLEX BED - OPERATION MANUAL 1
Introduction page 2
-DeviceOverview page 2
-TypographicalOverview page 3
-Symbolsand Warnings page 3
Specifications page 4
IdentificationofMajor Components page 5
Joystickoperation page 5
BasicOperationalInstructions page 12
-FunctionDescription page 12
-Scalesystemcompatibility page 16
CleaningInstructions page 17
Storage of the Bed page 17
Service/Fuses page 17
Troubleshooting page 18
Copyright2004Burke, Inc.
Allrightsreserved.Nopartofthis text shall be reproduced or transmitted in
anyformormeans, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying,record-
ing,orby any information retrieval system withoutwrittenpermissionof
BURKE,INC.
Tri-Flex is a trademark of Burke, Inc.
Theinformationin this manualissubjecttochange without notice. Burke,Inc.
makesnocommitmenttoupdateorkeepcurrent,theinformationcontained
inthis manual.
Additionalcopiesof this manual may be obtainedfromBurke, Inc. Please
contactyou local representative.
Table of Contents

2 TRI-FLEX BED - OPERATION MANUAL
TRI-FLEXBED
IMPULSE DRIVE SYSTEM
OPERATIONALMANUAL
Overview
Thisbedisintendedfor use whenever a patient’s weight and/
oroverallsizeexceedsexisting unit limitations or patient’s
weightexceedsthatwhich the staff can care forwithoutreduc-
ingthequalityofserviceandendangeringthesafetyofpatient
andstaff. This patient weightusuallyincludesanyoneover 400
lbs (181.4 Kg) but not to exceed 1000 lbs (454.5 Kg).
TheTri-Flexsystemcanalsofacilitatepatienttransport.The
impulsedrivesystemallowsforsafeandeasycontrolduring
transport.
NOTE: Thismanualcovers the use and functionsoftheim-
pulsedrivesystem. Instructionsfor other options and accesso-
riessuchasscalesystems and mattress systems will be
coveredinsupplementalliteratureprovidedwiththoseacces-
sories.
Operating Precautions
Beforeoperatingthisdrivesysteminsurethatyouhave read
andunderstoodindetailthecontentofthis manual. It is impor-
tantthatyou read and strictly adheretothesafetyinformation
containedinthismanual.Thisproductisintendedforindoor
useatroomtemperatures by health care professionals only.
Any reference to a side of the bed is from the patient’s view
layinginthebed on their back.
Introduction

TRI-FLEX BED - OPERATION MANUAL 3
Typographical Conventions
Thismanualcontainsdifferenttypefacesand icons designed to improve readability and increase
understandingof content. Notethefollowingexamples:
•Standardtext - usedforregularinformation
•Boldface text - emphasizes a word or phrase.
•NOTE:-in boldface type and capitalletters, this sets apart specialinformationor important
instructionclarification.
Symbols and Warnings
•Thesymbol belowhighlightsa WARNINGorCAUTION:
-AWARNING identifies situations or actions that mayaffectpatient or user safety.Disregard-
ingawarning could result in patientoruser injury.
-ACAUTION pointsout special procedures or precautions that personnel must followtoavoid
equipmentdamage.
•Thesymbolbelow indicates READ MANUAL. This symboloccurs on bed labels that indicatea
functionorprocedurethatmaybebetterdefinedinthemanualshouldsomequestionarisere-
gardingoperation.
• The symbol below indicates that this product is identified as a Class B device:
•Thesymbolfollowingindicatesthatthisdeviceis for indoor use only:
•Thesymbolbelowindicatesabattery:
Introduction

4 TRI-FLEX BED - OPERATION MANUAL
Mechanical
BatterySize U1(33amp hour gel sealed)
Speed: Adjustable 2.5mph
Range: 5-7miles(varieswithweight)
TurningRadius: 50”
GroundClearance: 3”
Max Climbing: 2”
MaxIncline: 5 degrees
Tires: foamfilled
Maximumweightcapacity: 1000 lbs.
Electrical
Inputvoltage: 120VAC, 60Hz
Current: 2.7 amperes
ChargerOutput voltage: 24V DC
Classification: Class B 1P-54
ManufacturedbyBurke,Inc.
1800 Merriam Lane
KansasCity, Kansas
Specifications

TRI-FLEX BED - OPERATION MANUAL 5
Major Component Identification
The Impluse Drive System is controlled by a Dynamic Mobility Shark drive controller. This system com-
prises two modules: the power module which is located beneath the bed near the drive wheels, and the
joystick control which is mounted on the headboard of the bed. Become familiar with all controls with the
power button in the OFF position.Adetailed explanation follows.
Shark Joystick Console
1. TURNING THE POWER ON Press the Power button. All indicators will flash briefly. The
current state of battery charge will be displayed and the drive system may be operated as normal.
Note: If the SHARK is turned on while the joystick is out of neutral, an OONAPU (Out Of Neutral At
Power Up) fault will be displayed - refer to table on page 18. Release the joystick back to neutral and
the fault will disappear.
OONAPU (Out Of Neutral At Power Up) is a feature that prevents SHARK form driving if the joystick is
out of neutral when SHARK is turned on or an inhibit condition removed.
This feature prevents sudden and unexpected movements of the bed.
1.1 TURNING THE POWER OFF Press the Power button. The LED's will turn off.
2. SPEED SETTING KNOB The speed knob is used to adjust the top speed of the bed
without a loss of power. It ranges from slow to fast. A low setting (smallest mark on the knob
upward) should be used in tight areas where speed is not required. Ahigher setting of medium to
fast (larger marks on the knob upward) can be used in open areas where higher speeds are manage-
able. PLEASE NOTE: This drive system has a power compensation feature which allows you to
leave the knob set at a lower speed on a ramp, incline, or soft surface and still maintain sufficient
power.
1.
2.
3.4.
5.

6 TRI-FLEX BED - OPERATION MANUAL
Major Component Identification
3. BATTERYINDICATOR. The SHARK Information Gauge (located on the joystick con-
sole) is the primary source of user feedback. It displays every possible status that SHARK may
have.
True state-of-battery-charge, including notification of when the battery desperately requires charg-
ing. • Any green LED's lit indicates well-charged batteries.
• If only amber and red LED's are lit, the batteries are moderately charged.
Recharge before undertaking a long trip.
• If only red LED's are lit the batteries are running out of charge. Recharge as soon
as possible.
4. THROTTLE CONTROL JOYSTICK LEVER. The black knob mounted on the top of
the control panel is both the throttle and direction control lever (Push Slowly). Pushing the lever
with your thumb toward the foot of the bed will make the bed go forward or backward accord-
ingly. Pushing the lever slightly will makes the bed begin to move. The further you depress the
lever, the
faster the bed moves. The top speed set by the SPEED KNOB is reached by fully
depressing the joystick lever. Completely releasing the lever will stop power to the motor,
activate the brakes, and you will come to a complete stop. For faster stops in forward,
pull the joystick into reverse until the unit stops moving, then release the throttle.
5. HORN BUTTON
Your unit also comes equipped with a built in horn, activated by depressing the horn
button.
PLEASE NOTE: Should the joystick / brake control system not stop the unit, turning the
power switch off will engage all brakes and stop the unit abruptly. This backup system
should only be used in the unlikely event that the primary brake control is disabled.
6. LOCKING THE SHARK Some SHARKs may be supplied factory programmed with a
LOCK Feature that prevents unauthorized people from turning the SHARK on.
DRIVE LOCKOUT:
While the power is ON, press and hold the Power button for 2 seconds. The horn will sound
a short beep and all LED's will flash briefly. The drive control will then turn off.
The drive system should always be locked when not being used by a health care
professional.

TRI-FLEX BED - OPERATION MANUAL 7
TO UNLOCK DRIVE LOCKOUT:
While the SHARK is locked, press the Power button to turn the SHARK on.All LED's will flash
briefly.The LED's will then perform a right-to-left "chase". Press the Horn button twice before the
timer completes its pass (approximately 6 seconds). The current state-of-charge will then be dis-
played and SHARK may be operated normally.
Note: If the health professional does not press the Horn button twice within the time limit, the
Horn will sound a short beep and SHARK will turn itself off. The unlock sequence must be
completed successfully before the SHARK will drive again normally.
SHARK Information Gauge
The SHARK Information Gauge (located on the joystick console) is the primary source of user
feedback. It displays every possible status that SHARK may have.
• SHARK Power ON
•Truestate-of-battery-charge,includingnotification ofwhenthebattery desperatelyrequirescharging.
• Any green LED's lit indicates well-charged batteries.
• If only amber and red LED's are lit, the batteries are moderately charged.
Recharge before undertaking a long trip.
• If only red LED's are lit the batteries are running out of charge. Recharge as soon as
possible.
Major Component Identification
• SHARK Lock Mode countdown.
• Program, inhibit or charge modes.
• Fault indication (Flash Codes)
The table on the following page indicates what the gauge will display for any given state.

8 TRI-FLEX BED - OPERATION MANUAL
Major Component Identification

TRI-FLEX BED - OPERATION MANUAL 9
Major Component Identification
CHARGINGTHEDRIVESYSTEMBATTERIES
Charging the batteries is the most important part of operating and maintaining the drive
system. Be sure you do it properly! It is required that only a gel cell or sealed suspended lead-acid
type deep cycle battery be used on the drive system. These batteries do not require water and have
no danger of spillage.
Introduction to Features of the Charger
The charger is fully automatic and has a 24-volt/ 2 -ampere constant current output. It is designed
to operate from a 115vAC line source and provides a constant charging output until the batteries
are fully charged.
The charger is recommended for use with deep cycle, gel or sealed lead acid batteries, and can be
left "on charge" indefinitely without harm to the batteries.
This charger is provided with a Light Emitting Diode (LED) on the front that provides the follow-
ingindications:
1. When the AC is connected to the charger and the charger is connected to the batteries the
greenLED willflash.
2. At full battery charge -the green LED turns to steady on, and the charger goes to a
float mode (charges at a lower rate than the 2-amperes) and continues to monitor the
batteries.
Basic Safety Instructions:
1. Do not expose the charger to rain, snow or other moisture sources (i.e., sprinkler, car wash, etc.).
When storing bed, keep inside a building.
2. Use of the charger in a manner not recommended by the manufacturer may result in the risk of fire,
electrical shock or personal injury.
3. To reduce the possibility of damage to the AC cord or the connector, disconnect the AC line cord by
grasping the plug and not the cord, when disconnecting from the wall or receptacle.
4. Locate cord so that it will not be stepped on, tripped over or subjected to the possibility of damage.
5. An extension cord is not recommended for use with this equipment. Use of an improperly
rated extension cord could result in risk of fire or electrical shock. Should it be required to use an
extension cord, make certain that it is of 3-wire construction and has a wire size of 16-gauge, and
the cord must be in good electrical condition.
6. Do not operate this charger with damagedAC cord or receptacle. If they are damaged, replace
them immediately.

10 TRI-FLEX BED - OPERATION MANUAL
Important Safety Information
BeforeCharging:
Verify that battery terminals are clean and that all charger connections are secure and in good condition.
Grounding and AC Power Connection:
The charger must be plugged into a grounded electrical outlet. The unit is provided with an
electrical cord which contains a conductor for grounding. The charger cord must be plugged into
anAC outlet that is properly installed, and is grounded in accordance with the National Electrical
Code and all local electrical codes and ordinances.
!! WARNING !! - Failure to plug the charger into a grounded receptacle could cause a condi-
tion allowing an electrical shock hazard to be present while charging.
!! WARNING !! Improper connection of the equipment grounding conductor can result in a
risk of electrical shock.
!! CAUTION !! - Never alter theAC cord or plug provided with this equipment. If it does not fit
the outlet, have a properly grounded outlet installed by a qualified electrician.
Chargeroutputline.
Leavethisplugged
intothejoystick
moduleatalltimes.
ChargerAC cord.
Plugthiscordinto
anelectricaloutlet
whenthedriveis
notinuse.Unlug
andsecure the cord
intheholderwhen
drivingthebed.
Statuslightonthe
charger.Thestatuslight
willflashwhencharging
thebatteries.Thelight
willstayonconstantly
whencompleted.

TRI-FLEX BED - OPERATION MANUAL 11
Important Safety Information
Important Safety Instructions:
WARNING: Because you will be connecting and disconnectingAC voltage to the bed, DO NOT do
so in the presence of moisture (i.e. rain, puddled water, snow, etc.). Electrical shock hazard could
be present. Observe caution and safety warnings.
a.) To reduce risk of battery explosion;
i. never smoke or allow open flame or sparks around a charging battery;
ii. never charge a frozen battery;
iii. use charger for charging lead acid-type orAGM batteries only; it is not intended to charge dry cell
batteries, or act as a power source for low voltage circuits. Either of these conditions could harm the
charger or cause dangerous conditions to exist. This charger is recommended for use with deep cycle-
type batteries.
b.) The user is instructed to NOT use the charger with a battery configuration not matching the
output voltage rating of the charger.
c.) Do not disconnect the DC portion of the charger circuit.
CAUTION:
Thedrive system CAN NOT beactivated if the dualpassage assist option isinstalled. The dual passage
assistpolesmustfirstberemovedtoallowthedrivesystem wheels to fully contactthe floor. Ifthedrive
systemisactivated with the dual passageassist poles in place equipmentand/or floor damage may
occur.
Removedualpassage poles
andwheelchocksbefore oper-
atingthedrive system.

12 TRI-FLEX BED - OPERATION MANUAL
Operational Instruction
METHODSFORCONTROLLINGTHE DIRECTIONOF
THE TRI-FLEX II WITH THE IMPULSE DRIVE SYSTEM
Pushing the Control
Knob straight forward
will cause the bed to
move in a forward di-
rection. Your speed is
determinedbyhow far
forward you push the
control knob and by
the speed control set-
ting(#2).Pullingback
onthe knob causes the
bed to move in the re-
verse direction.
Movingtheknobdirectlyto
the left (while stationary or
moving) will cause the bed
to turn to the left. Con-
versely, moving to the right
willcause it to turn right. If
you are stationary, the bed
will tend to rotate where it
sits. You may use this to
position the bed in a room,
or to prepare to travel in a
different direction.
The difficult part of controlling the drive sys-
tem is all of those moves in between the four
main directions. Shown here are different di-
rections for turning the bed as you operate it.
Remember these moves may be anywhere in
between, it depends on the direction of travel
required at the time. The important thing to
remember is that in the forward positions, the
joystick is like a pointer, point and that is the
direction you will go. In reverse, the pointer is
indicating the direction the foot of the bed will
go, not the head. The best thing to do is learn
to operate the power drive in a large flat open
space, and practice making the bed move in the
direction you desire.
FULLSPEED
LEFTTURN
GRADUALLYBACK
TOWARDTHERIGHT
FULLSPEED
RIGHTTURN
GRADUALLYBACK
TOWARDTHE LEFT

TRI-FLEX BED - OPERATION MANUAL 13
Operational Instruction
In an emergency or a "Quick-Stop" situation, you may pull straight back
on the control knob momentarily to cause the motors to apply reverse
current and stop quickly. Use extreme caution, as this may cause the
patient to pitch forward in the bed.
For your first drive, we recommend the following.
Whenpossible, always work with your dealer to learn how to use yourbed.
Ifyou have any questions concerningthe drive or bed pleasecall your dealer.
1. Make sure the area is a flat, hard, smooth, open and free of obstacles.
2.
Make sure the bed is in it’s lowest hi-lo position and all the casters are unlocked. All the
casters must be unlocked for the drive to function properly. The steering and braking func
tions will be done by the drive wheels.
3. Turn the SPEED setting knob to low and secure allAC power cords.
4. Unlock the drive lockout(see pg. 7) and depress the power switch to turn the power ON.
5. Push the control knob forward toward the foot of the bed to go forward.
6. Steer the bed in different directions to get a feel for how the controls operate.
7. SLOWLY rotate the SPEED setting knob clockwise up from the slow position.
Rotate the knob until the desired top speed is reached. Remember, power compensation will
automatically give you more power and allow you to keep a slower speed should you need it.
8. Release the control knob to come to a stop. Take note of how the braking
feels. The clicking you might hear upon starting, and shortly after releasing the
control knob is the Electric Brake disengaging and engaging.
9. Pull the control knob backwards to go backward. The reverse direction will be at the same
speed as the forward direction. Always make sure the area is clear behind you before backing
up.
10. Remember to turn the power button OFF (no visible lights) and engage the drive lockout
featurewhen not driving, or transferring the patient.
Speed controller characteristics are pre-set for the average driver in a close quarters setting.
WARNING
The Impulse Drive System is designed for high maneuverability but use caution when encountering
obstacles. Failure to drive cautiously can result in collisions which may cause physical harm. When
approachingan obstacle, keep yourspeed at aminimum and maintaina safe distance from that object.
Avoid all small objects on the ground. The bed's ground clearance may be less than the size of the
object. Running over an objector into adepression couldcause damage tothe bed. NEVERdrive the
bed nearplatforms, stairs, ledges, curbs or inany otherpotentially dangerous situationas severe injury
can occur.

14 TRI-FLEX BED - OPERATION MANUAL
Operational Instruction
TheImpulseDriveSystem Braking Systems
The drive system’s brake systems allow for smooth start up and safe braking without
undue jerking. There are three (3) separate modes to the braking system: Regenerative,
Dynamic, and Posi-Lock Electric Braking. All braking occurs automatically during the drive
operation. Each type of braking is described in the following.
1. Regenerative Braking is activated while driving the bed down an incline. When the
bed picks up speed going down the incline, the motor generates electricity. This electricity
is channeled back through the Impulse Drive System’s electronic control circuits to recharge
the batteries. This action keeps the bed from picking up excess speed and provides for
smooth speed control.
2. Dynamic Braking is activated WITHOUT delay when all power is stopped to the
motor. This is done by bringing the control knob back to the center position, as when
coming to a complete stop. This braking works until the Posi-Lock Electric brake is acti-
vated.
3. The Posi-Lock Electric Brake is activated with delay when all power is stopped to the
motor.This electric brake hasashort delay andultimately holds the bed at a completestop.The bed
cannot be moved when this brake is activated. Dynamic Braking works in conjunction with Posi-
Lock Electric Braking to bring you to a gradual and complete stop.
MOTOR/BRAKE DISENGAGE
Under normal conditions the motor/brake should not have to be disengaged. In the
event the batteries run low, or there is a malfunction with the drive system the hi/lo of the bed
can be raised to lift the drive wheels from the floor. Using several people the bed can now be
manually pushed to an outlet for charging or to a service area.
Caution:
DO NOT push the bed with the hi-lo raised for more than is absolutely necessary.
There is a possibility that damage to the hi-lo system may occur. Should you experience any
type of brake system malfunction, DO NOT drive or use the bed. Have the system repaired
immediately!

TRI-FLEX BED - OPERATION MANUAL 15
TRANSPORTING THE BED & PATIENT
To transportapatienton theTri-Flex bed:
1.)Adjust head elevation to thedesiredposition for patientcomfort.
WARNING: Maximumpatientweight in bedfor transport is 1000 lbs. Transportingapatientabove
1000#can damage the bedand injure persons.
2)Toensure patientsafety, theheightofthe bed should be lowered to itslowestposition.
WARNING: Thebedhigh-lowmust be in the lowestpositionto prevent damage to thebed and
provideformaximumstability and traction.
3) Ensure side rails are locked in an upright position.
WARNING: Siderailsmustbe in the highest position toprevent patient from falling outofbed.
4)UseanIVpole to mount solutions.
5)Unplugthe bedACpower cord, wrap theAC power cord around the cordholder. Automaticbattery
powerwilltemporarilyallowtheuseofallbedfunctionsuntilACpowerisrestored. Unplugthedrive
chargerACpower cord,wrapthe cord around the handlepostto keep it off thefloor.
6)Unlockthetwo head end caster locks and thetwofootend caster locks.
CAUTION: Checkthe bed width and side railadjustmentfor doorway clearance to prevent damage
tothe bed and door frames.
CAUTION: Keephands and feet clear of wheelsduringbed movement. Move the bed only ataslow
walk.
WARNING: Movingbeddowninclinesorexcursion offa ledge(suchasmoving into an elevator or
acrossathreshold)canresultin damage to the bed and injury to persons. The maximum threshold
climbingcapacityof the bed and drive system is1”(oneinch).
WARNING: ThedrivesystemisprimairlyintendedtomovetheTri-Flexbed on flat level surfaces. If
necessarythedrive system can transition and climbupto a 5 degree incline withapatient. Extra
careshouldbetaken when transitioning at the bottom andtopof ramps. Loss of traction for the drive
wheelsmaycausedamagetothebedandinjurytopersons.
NOTE: Remember to plug the Tri-Flex bed into the wall outlet once transport of the bed is complete.
Operational Instruction

16 TRI-FLEX BED - OPERATION MANUAL
Operational Instruction
Scale System (if applicable)
Ifyour bed is equippedwith scales there will be some extra steps to be awareof to insure the scales
functionproperly. Theload cells for the scales are mountedabovetheeachofthefourcasters. Thusthe
fullweightofthebedandpatientmustbetransferredthroughthecasters. Whenthebedisinthelowest
hi-lopositionthedrivesystemwheelscontactthefloorandwilldistortthe scale reading.
1. Setupthe empty bed with the properlinens.
2. Raisethehi-lo system at least 6”fromthe lowest position.
3. Powerupthescalesystem and go through the menu to “Set upemptybed.”
4. Raiseor lower the hi-lo system as needed and place the patient in the bed.
5. Againraise the hi-lo system atleast 6” from thelowest position.
6. Again power up thescale. The reading given willbe correct for thepatient.
Ifthisis not done before thepatient is placed in thebed the patient will haveto be removed from thebed
andthesesteps will have to befollowed in order to achievea correct scale reading.

TRI-FLEX BED - OPERATION MANUAL 17
Operational Instruction
FOLDING THE BED FOR TRANSPORT OR STORAGE
Thebedwiththedrivesystemwill fold and roll around on the transport casters just like aTri-Flex
withoutadrivesystem. Thedrivesystemcannotbeusedwhenthebedisfolded.
Whenfoldingthe bed there aresome extra things to beaware of. At the base ofthe headboard
therearetwoconnectorsthatmustbe uncoupled before the headboard is removed. Also the drive
systembatteriesare now at the footofthe bed. These batteries add another50 lbs to the weightofthe
footend. Thiswillmake the foot end of the bedabout150lbs when you fold it. If you feelthisistoo much
weighttoliftwhen folding you can remove thebatteries.
REMOVING THE BATTERIES FOR FOLDING
1. Raisethe hi-lo to thehighestposition.
2. Undothe velcro and release the straps that secure the boxes to the brackets.
3. Unplugthe two connections fromthebatteriestothepowerharness.
4. Removeeach battery by lifting on the straps that hold the lidsontheboxes.
UNFOLDING THE BED FOR USE
WhenunfoldingtheTri-FlexIIwith a drive system thefootendwillagainbeheavier than normal if
thebatteriesare in place. Extra care should betakenwhen unfolding the bed. Get a goodhold, let it
downslowly,andusetwopeopleifnecessary.
CHARGING THE DRIVE SYSTEM WHEN THE BED IS FOLDED
When the bed is folded it is still possible to charge the batteries for the drive system. Place the
headboardinthepocketsonthetransportaxlesjustasinnormalstorage. Usethechargerextension
cordsuppliedwiththe drive system. Connect the charger cord atthebase of the headboard. Connect
theotherendoftheextensioncordtothechargerharness at the end of the foot main frame. Then plug
thechargerintoa110voutlet and watch for the green light to flash. This means the charger is charging.

18 TRI-FLEX BED - OPERATION MANUAL
CLEANING
Cleanthemattress provided with the bed bywiping down with a cloth orsponge using mild soap and
wateronly.
Thehandpendant, scale display (optional), siderails,and bed frame can alsobecleaned with a damp
clothorspongeandwarm,soapywater.
Donotuseany scouring or abrasive cleaners on the bed.
CAUTION: Do not hose down, high pressure spray, or place the bed in a shower as this may cause
damagetotheelectronicssystem and void the warranty.
Ifanybedelectricalcomponentsshould become wet, disconnect bed from the 120VAC wall outlet until
thedevice is thoroughlydry.
STORAGE OF THE BED
Thisequipmentisprovidedwitha battery back up. Toinsurethelongevity of the battery back up we
recommendthat thebedbe plugged into an appropriate wall outlet tokeepbatterycharged when not in
useforextended periods of time. Failure todoso could render the battery backupsysteminoperable.
CAUTION: Storeina clean dry area. Dampness mayaffectelectronic componentsandcauserust.
SERVICE OF THE BED
Refertotheservice chart provided in this manual for basicproblemsolutions.Major service of this equip-
mentshouldbereferredtoqualifiedpersonnel.
Refertocircuitlayoutdiagramandpartidentificationdiagramprovidedinthismanual.Themanufacturer
ofthisequipmentwillprovide assistance to the user’sappropriately qualified technical personnel to
repairthosepartsoftheequipmentwhicharedesignatedbythemanufactureras repairable. Use only
replacementcomponentswhichareapprovedanddesignatedasacceptableby the manufacturer.
INSPECTION
Therecommendedfrequencyofinspectionforthedrivesystemisoncepermonth or before each new
patient,whichever occurs first.
FUSES
Therearenoreplacablefusesin the drive system however there are resettable circuit brakersoneachof
thebatteries.
Cleaning, Storage, and Service

TRI-FLEX BED - OPERATION MANUAL 19
If the light continues to flash after following the procedures in the LED Diagnostic Code chart, do not
drive the bed. Notify your dealer for repair.
DIAGNOSTICS
Note: SHARK is not user serviceable. Specialized tools are necessary for the repair of any SHARK component.
INTRODUCTION
AflashingSHARKinformation gaugeindicatesthere isanabnormalconditionsomewhereonthedrivesystem.
Thecomponents thatSHARK provides faultinformation forinclude,the motor,thepark brakes,the batteries, the
cablingandtheSHARKmodulesthemselves.
Notethat joystick OONAPU (OutOFNeutralAtPower Up)isnot a fault. Simply byremovingyour hand from
thejoystickandallowingittoreturntotheneutralposition, thefaultwillimmediatelyclear.
Thenature of theabnormalcondition is indicatedbya flash code.Thisis a sequenceofflashes, separated bya
pause,followed byarepetition ofthesequence. Thenumberof flashesrelatesto thecondition.For instance,four
flashesofthe SHARKinformation gauge,a pause,followed byfour flashes,etc. indicatesa rightmotor fault.Five
flasheswouldindicatealeftparkbrakefault.
Dependingontheseverity ofthe condition,the powerchairmayor maynot allowdriving. Insomecasesthechair
maybe allowedtodrive but inareduced speed ("limp")mode.
DIAGNOSTICS& FAULTS
Flashcodesindicate thenature ofan abnormalcondition directlyfrom the
SHARKInformationGauge. Withouttheuse ofanyservicingtools,the condition
canbesimply diagnosed.
1 UserFault Possiblestalltimeoutor usererror.
Releasethe joystickto neutralandtry again.
2 BatteryFault Checkthe batteriesandcabling.
Trychargingthebatteries.
Batteriesmayrequirereplacing.
3 LeftMotorFault Checktheleftmotor,connections andcabling.
4 RightMotorFault Checktherightmotor,connectionsandcabling.
5 LeftPark Brake Fault Checkthe left parkbrake,connections and cabling.
6 RightPark BrakeFault Checktheright parkbrake,connections andcabling.
7 SHARK ChecktheSHARKCommunicationsBusconnections andwiring
JoystickConsoleFault Replace the JoystickConsole.
8 SHARK CheckSHARKconnections andwiring
PowerModule Fault Replace thePowerModule.
9 SHARK CheckSHARKconnections andwiring
CommunicationsFault Replacethe SHARK Buscable.
10 UnknownFault Checkallconnectionsandwiring.
CODE DESCRIPTION CORRECTION
Troubleshooting

20 TRI-FLEX BED - OPERATION MANUAL
CommonlyAsked Questions and PossibleAnswers
Why has there been a sudden loss of power?
1. Undercharged batteries. Check the BATTERYindicator. The BATTERY indica-
tor indicates the charge condition of the batteries while you are driving. The indica-
tor will not indicate the “true condition” of their capacity until the bed has been
setting on, in an idle condition, for several minutes. The green area corresponds to a
good charge. The red area corresponds to a low charge, or a deep cycle condition.
It is possible to drive the bed with the batteries in a deep cycle charge condition, but
once they drop below a certain level of power, they will fail and you will be stranded.
If, while you are driving, the indicator falls into the red area, charge the batteries as
soon as possible. Charging will bring deep cycle condition batteries up to full charge.
You will not receive maximum battery life if the batteries are routinely run to the deep
cycle condition.
4. Under-inflated tires. The tires on the drive system are foam filled and will not
requireinflation.
5. Excessive weight on the bed. Remember that the Tri-Flex II takes a maximum of a
1000 Lb patient.
6. There may be other motor or driving mechanism malfunctions. Consult with your
dealer.
Will leaving the batteries for a long time damage them?
Yes. Storage of batteries is very important to their life span. The very best way to
maximize battery life is to store them in a fully charged condition in a cool place. Then
periodically (every 1-2 months!) charge to keep the batteries in this full charge condition. Do
not store in cold or freezing temperatures. Batteries should never be subjected to freezing
temperatures. Undercharged batteries can be ruined quickly in freezing conditions.