Abstract: The illustrative armboard assembly includes a lockable first joint coupling an armboard to a support arm, a lockable second joint coupling the support arm to a mounting post and a lockable third joint coupling the mounting post to a mounting rail. The first joint is configured to permit movement of the armboard along the support arm and configured to permit movement of the armboard relative to the support arm about a first plurality of axes. The second joint is configured to permit movement of the support arm relative to the mounting post about a second plurality of axes. The third joint is configured to position the mounting post in a selected vertical position relative to the mounting rail and in a selected longitudinal position along the mounting rail.

Abstract: A surface for a patient support or a part thereof includes at least one inflatable air bladder formed of anti-shear material, and a cover including a foam layer and a highly stretchable material layer. The at least one air bladder occupies a majority of the interior region of the cover, and the foam layer is placed over the at least one air bladder between the highly stretchable material layer and the at least one air bladder.

Abstract: A transfer apparatus for moving a patient from a first support to a second support includes an upper platform, a lower conveyor and an actuator configured to be coupled to the lower conveyor to drive the lower conveyor. The lower conveyor is movable such that movement of the lower conveyor to move the apparatus from the second support to the first support moves the patient from the first support onto the upper platform.

Abstract: The illustrative armboard assembly includes a lockable first joint coupling an armboard to a support arm, a lockable second joint coupling the support arm to a mounting post and a lockable third joint coupling the mounting post to a mounting rail. The first joint is configured to permit movement of the armboard along the support arm and configured to permit movement of the armboard relative to the support arm about a first plurality of axes. The second joint is configured to permit movement of the support arm relative to the mounting post about a second plurality of axes. The third joint is configured to position the mounting post in a selected vertical position relative to the mounting rail and in a selected longitudinal position along the mounting rail.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for restraining a patient in a Trendelenburg position include positioning a patient on a patient support surface which is tiltable and includes a head end, a foot end and opposed sides which extend between the head end and the foot end, and engaging a top portion of the patient's hips on either side with padded hip braces configured to engage the top portion of the patient's hips and prevent the patient from sliding toward the head end of the tiltable patient support surface when tilted in the Trendelenburg position.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a surgical accessory to a rail of a patient support device includes a clamp and a socket assembly. The clamp includes a first jaw and a second jaw coupled to the first jaw for movement between a first position in which the apparatus is attachable to and detachable from the rail and a second position in which the second jaw cooperates with the first jaw to grip the rail. The second jaw is biased toward the second position. The socket assembly includes a plurality of components movable between a loosened configuration and a tightened configuration. The second jaw is locked in the second position in response to movement of the plurality of components to the tightened configuration.

Abstract: A surface for a patient Support or a part thereof. The surface comprises an inflatable air bladder formed of anti-shear material. A cover including a foam layer and a highly stretchable material layer is placed over the air bladder.

Abstract: A surgical table has an articulated leg section with accessory attachment rails on opposite sides thereof. A shoulder surgery attachment for the surgical table includes a chair back assembly having a base on one end thereof and a cooperating second connector at each of its sides. Each second connector is releasably attachable to its corresponding first connector. A pair of mounting blades are provided on opposite sides of the base. A rail clamp is positionable along the attachment rails to be fastened to each of the attachment rails to provide a first connector at each side of the leg section.

Abstract: A surface for a patient support or a part thereof includes an anti-shear liner, a cover, and a cushion layer. A method for minimizing shear on a patient's skin as the patient rests upon a patient support includes providing an anti-shear layer, providing a cover, and placing the anti-shear layer and cover on the support. The cover may have a surface integrity against fluid leakage which is maintained upon stretching of the cover. The anti-shear liner may be disposed between the cover and the cushion layer, permitting the cover to slip relative to the cushion layer. The cover may be stretchable in one direction more than in an orthogonal direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for restraining a patient in a Trendelenburg position include positioning a patient on a patient support surface which is tiltable and includes a head end, a foot end and opposed sides which extend between the head end and the foot end, and engaging a top portion of the patient's hips on either side with padded hip braces configured to engage the top portion of the patient's hips and prevent the patient from sliding toward the head end of the tiltable patient support surface when tilted in the Trendelenburg position.

Abstract: A socket and rail clamp apparatus for securing a surgical accessory to a rail of a patient support device includes a first jaw and a second jaw coupled to the first jaw. One of the first and second jaws is movable between a first position in which the socket and rail clamp assembly is attachable to and detachable from the rail and a second position in which the clamp grips the rail. A socket assembly includes among a plurality of components a socket adapted to receive a portion of a surgical accessory. The plurality of components are movable between a loosened configuration and a tightened configuration.

Abstract: A transfer apparatus for moving a patient from a first support to a second support includes an upper platform, a lower conveyor and an actuator configured to be coupled to the lower conveyor to drive the lower conveyor. The lower conveyor is movable such that movement of the lower conveyor to move the apparatus from the second support to the first support moves the patient from the first support onto the upper platform.

Abstract: The illustrative armboard assembly includes a lockable first joint coupling an armboard to a support arm, a lockable second joint coupling the support arm to a mounting post and a lockable third joint coupling the mounting post to a mounting rail. The first joint is configured to permit movement of the armboard along the support arm and configured to permit movement of the armboard relative to the support arm about a first plurality of axes. The second joint is configured to permit movement of the support arm relative to the mounting post about a second plurality of axes. The third joint is configured to position the mounting post in a selected vertical position relative to the mounting rail and in a selected longitudinal position along the mounting rail.

Abstract: A surgical table has an articulated leg section with accessory attachment rails on opposite sides thereof. A shoulder surgery attachment for the surgical table includes a chair back assembly having a base on one end thereof and a cooperating second connector at each of its sides. Each second connector is releasably attachable to its corresponding first connector. A pair of mounting blades are provided on opposite sides of the base. A rail clamp is positionable along the attachment rails to be fastened to each of the attachment rails to provide a first connector at each side of the leg section.