Abstract: A patient support apparatus, such as a bed, cot, stretcher, gurney, surgical table, or the like, is disclosed that includes at least one form of wireless energy transfer and/or at least one form of wireless communication amongst its components. The wireless energy transfer may include the inductive transfer of electrical energy from the main body of the patient support apparatus to a mattress positioned thereon that uses electrical energy. Alternatively, the wireless energy transfer may include the inductive transfer or electrical energy from a stationary power station to the patient support itself. Or, the patient support apparatus may include both types of inductive energy transfer. The wireless communication may be between a controller on the main body of the patient support apparatus and a controller within, or coupled to, the mattress.

Abstract: A patient-support apparatus includes frame and a lift arm. The frame includes a base frame and an upper frame. The lift arm has a first end coupled to the upper frame and a second end spaced apart from the first end and coupled to the base frame. In this embodiment, the lift arm is configured to move the frame in a generally vertical direction while the lift arm rotates with respect to the frame. The apparatus is configured to allow the first end of the lift arm to translate along the upper frame while the second end rotates about an axis that is fixed relative to the base frame. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to therapeutic-prophylactic equipment and domestic articles and can be used in the home for the care of seriously ill patients having limited mobility or being completely immobile as well as for the prophylactic treatment of temporarily immobile patients. The use of the proposed bed makes it possible to combine various methods for acting on the body, thereby making it possible to take measures for the efficient prevention and healing of a wide range of diseases. This, together with all the listed means and the interactions thereof, makes it possible to enhance and widen the healing effect and improve service quality.

Abstract: A patient handling device, such as a bed, stretcher, cot, or the like, includes a deck on which a patient may lie and which is surrounded by siderails. Control panels may be mounted on the siderails in a staggered fashion to improve the ease of accessing the control panels. A handle assembly may be included near the top of the Fowler section of the deck which allows a pair of handles to be squeezed independently for manual pivoting of the Fowler section. Squeezing one handle does not increase the force required to subsequently squeeze the other handle. The pivoting of the Fowler section may also be carried out automatically through an electrical actuator. The raising of the deck may be carried out through an electrical pump that pumps hydraulic fluid, and which may be activated near the top end of the stroke of a reciprocating pedal.

Abstract: In an operating table comprising a table column (10) with a column foot (14) and with a column head (16) and also a patient bed (12) which is connectable to the column head (16) and which is pivotable in relation to the table column (10) about at least one axis parallel to the bed plane, the column head (16) has provided on it a guide track (42) which is curved continuously about an axis of curvature and on which a saddle coupleable to the bed (12) is mounted such that it can be adjusted along the guide track (42) by means of a saddle drive.

Abstract: A patient support device of a radiation therapy treatment system includes an electromechanical motor and control system for moving the support device. The control system utilizes regenerative braking concepts, converting the motor into a generator as the support device is moved such that no matter the load, the support device will be moved at a constant speed. The control system also allows for moving of the support device in the powered off situation (i.e., when there is no power to the support device).

Abstract: The present invention relates to ambulance cots, cot systems and methods of using the same. In particular, the present invention provides an ambulance cot comprising one or more control features (e.g., a notched ladder rail assembly (e.g., for preventing hot dropping of cot); a hand braking system; and/or team lift rails) and methods of using the same (e.g., to transport a subject (e.g., into and/or from an ambulance)).

Abstract: A bed for a person is provided. The bed includes a frame, a deck, a mattress, a pair of head end siderails, and a pair of foot end siderails. The bed further includes a controller configured to be coupled to the head and foot end siderails.

Abstract: In a transport carriage for the patient-bearing surface of an operating table, comprising a chassis (10), two supports (58) which are arranged thereon and each have at their upper ends an interface (60) for connecting to a complementary interface on the patient-bearing surface, and a lifting device (48) for adjusting the height of the interfaces (60) relative to the chassis (10), the supports (58) are carried by a pivoting frame (34) which is mounted on the chassis (10) so as to be able to pivot about a horizontal pivot axis (42) and is adjustable by means of the lifting device (48), the supports (58) each being connected to the pivoting frame (34) by a joint (62) having a joint axis (64) parallel to the pivot axis (42) and each being guided on a guide path (70), which is secured to the chassis, in each case set vertically apart from the joint (62) by means of a roller (68) having a roller axis (69) parallel to the pivot axis, in such a way that a line (70), which runs through the joint axis (64) and the roll

Abstract: A braking action of movement of a support surface on an examination may be accomplished with a motor. The examination table includes a base, a support surface moveable with respect to the base, and a motor having a rotor and a stator. The motor is coupled to the support surface and configured to move the support surface. A motor controller of the examination table is in electrical communication with the motor. The motor controller is configured to brake the movement of the support surface by terminating power to a plurality of windings of the stator of the motor for a predetermined amount of time, and, selectively activating a subset of windings of the plurality of windings of the stator for a predetermined amount of time.

Abstract: A massage device (10) includes a table top assembly (12) that supports a user above a surface (18). The massage device (10) comprises a leg assembly (14) and an adjuster assembly (16). The leg assembly (14) extends between the table top assembly (12) and the surface (18). Additionally, the leg assembly (14) includes a first leg (24), a second leg (26), and a leg attacher (28) that pivotally secures the first leg (24) to the second leg (26). The adjuster assembly (16) adjusts the position of the table top assembly (12) relative to the surface (18) between a lower position and an upper position. The adjuster assembly (16) includes an adjuster (44) that acts primarily in push mode to pivot the second leg (26) relative to the first leg (24) so that the table top assembly (12) moves between the lower position and the upper position.

Abstract: A vehicle for use in hospitals, and the like, giving better mobility, steering, braking and passenger handling while providing comfort to the passengers from the time they lay down until they are standing on the side through the rotation and tilting ability of the frame.

Abstract: A hospital bed has a base, an upper frame above the base, and a lift system to raise and lower the upper frame relative to the base between a low position and a high position. The bed also has control circuitry coupled to the lift system to command operation of the lift system. The control circuitry further includes an angle sensor to provide a signal indicative of an angle at which at least one of the base and the upper frame are tilted away from a substantially horizontal orientation. The control circuitry has an indicator that is activated to indicate to a caregiver that the lift system should be operated to move the upper frame to the low position when the angle sensor indicates that the angle is greater than a threshold amount.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an articulated bed arrangement having a patient support platform 2 comprising at least a head section 4, a seat section 6 and a foot section 8 connected to each other in an articulated manner so that the bed arrangement is convertible at least from a bed configuration to a chair configuration. The platform has a length and a width whereupon the platform is projecting an area onto the floor when said sections are horizontally arranged. The bed arrangement is further provided with a leg arrangement comprising four legs 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d that are pivotable in the vertical direction in relation to the longitudinal direction of the platform about their articulated connection points 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d to the platform in order to change the height from the floor to the surface of the platform. Each leg is provided so that said leg is positioned outside said projected area.

Abstract: A positioning mechanism of a bed comprising height adjustable lifters that are mounted between the undercarriage and patient surface frame. The first lifter is arranged so that its axis intersects the longitudinal axis of the frame. The first lifter is connected to frame oscillatingly around the longitudinal axis of the frame and in a sliding way in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the frame. The second and the third lifters are interconnected with an arm, oriented transversally to the longitudinal axis. The arm is oscillatingly connected to the frame and is connected at one end to the second lifter both oscillatingly around an axis, in parallel with the longitudinal axis of the frame and in a sliding way transversally to the frame. The other end the arm is connected to the third lifter, oscillatingly around the axis, in parallel with the longitudinal axis of the frame.

Abstract: A bed frame assembly includes a base frame 32, an elevatable frame 40 and a lift system 80. The lift system includes a carriage 82 longitudinally translatably mounted on the base frame and a lift arm 84 having a crank end 86 and a remote end 88. The crank end of the lift arm is mounted to the carriage at a pivotable joint A for pivoting about a laterally extending crank axis 100. The remote end of the lift arm is connected to the elevatable frame by a lift arm connector 102, which may take various forms. The lift system also includes an actuator 120 mounted on the carriage at a juncture B and connected to the lift arm such that operation of the actuator rotates the lift arm about the crank axis. The lift system also includes a part span connector 130 pivotably connected to the lift arm at a joint D and pivotably connected to the base frame at a joint C. In one embodiment the lift arm connector is a single link 132.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus comprises a lower frame, a lift mechanism , a drive mechanism, and an upper frame. The lower frame includes a lift drive configured to at least one of expand and contract the lift mechanism. The lift mechanism is pivotably coupled with the lower frame to rotate about a rotational axis. A drive mechanism is coupled between the lift mechanism and the lower frame. The drive mechanism is configured to rotate the lift mechanism about the rotational axis. The upper frame is supported on the lift mechanism and responsive to the rotation of the lift mechanism to rotate a patient about the rotational axis.

Abstract: A multi-position support apparatus including a base for supporting the apparatus on a flat horizontal surface, a tiltable frame assembly tiltably supported on the base in a selected position; a body supporting member supported on the tiltable frame assembly; and a feet-engaging member engageable with the bottom surface of the user's feet. The feet-engaging member is coupled to the tiltable frame assembly, and the body supporting member is configured to move in relation to the tiltable frame assembly and below the feet engaging member. Optionally, the body supporting member supports a mattress. When the body supporting member moves, the mattress supported by the it moves also, thereby achieving a relative movement between the feet-engaging member and the mattress and thereby to prevent sliding of the user's body with respect to the tiltable frame assembly when the body supporting member is moved to a vertical position.

Abstract: A bed includes a base frame 14 having a head end and a foot end, an elevatable frame 16 also having a head end and a foot end, a lift assembly 76 or 78 comprising an actuation system connected to one of the frames, a push chain 106 having an actuator end 124 driven by a lead screw 86 and a distal end 126 connected to the other of the frames. Rotary motion of the lead screw changes elevation of the elevating frame relative to the base frame.

Abstract: A lifting column comprising two or more telescopically arranged column elements, where each column element comprises at least two column sub-elements arranged symmetrically on either side of a first vertical plane, one set of sub-column elements closer to the plane than the other set of sub-elements, where the outer sub-elements are slidingly connected to adjacent inner sub-elements by means of guiding sledges, and further where each column sub-element comprises at least two pulley wheels, one upper and one lower, and further where one first continuous flexible member runs from an upper pulley wheel of a first sub-element to a lower pulley wheel on an adjacent sub-element, so that the first flexible member runs on the upper or lower pulley wheels of the innermost sub-elements on either side of the vertical plane, and that the flexible member is shortened or lengthened by rolling at least one end of the flexible member around a drive wheel on a rotatable axle of an actuating motor.

Abstract: A medical examination table is provided. The medical examination table comprises a base providing a storage area, a patient support movable independent of the base between a lowered position and a raised position, and a lift mechanism coupled to the patient support for moving the patient support between the lowered position and the raised position. The patient support comprises a backrest and a seat. Movement of the patient support independent or separately from the base and without interfering with the storage areas within the base may allow for the efficient use of the examination table as a storage area.

Abstract: A device for the assisted loading of a stretcher (2) provided with a chassis (3), comprises at least one driving wheel (4) cinematically connected to a driving member (5) fed by feeding means (6) and controlled by control means (7) to activate the at least one driving wheel (4) at least during the loading of the stretcher into the ambulance.

Abstract: A vehicle for use in hospitals, and the like, giving better mobility, steering, braking and passenger handling while providing comfort to the passengers from the time they lay down until they are standing on the side through the rotation and tilting ability of the frame.

Abstract: The present invention is a therapeutic table with an improved position adjustment mechanism and to a method for adapting a therapeutic table to include an improved mechanism for position adjustment of a table. In an embodiment, the improved position adjustment mechanism is a ribbon switch on the top surface of a frame forming the base of the table and a ribbon switch on the bottom surface of a frame forming the base of the table, which ribbon switch when pressure is applied activates the movement of the table up and down, respectively.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for supporting and/or stabilizing a patient can help to position a patient relative to a therapeutic laser beam, for example, inhibiting motion or deflection during a refractive procedure on the eyes, and the like. A stabilizing structural member can support a chair or other patient support near shoulders of the patient, and the member may remain stationary while the chair is driven in a horizontal plane by a linkage. Often, a nominal patient center of gravity is located between the support member and a portion of the patient support which is supported by the linkage to reduce cantilever effects. The member may be rigidly attached to a vertical motion stage which moves the chair at an angle, for example at an angle normal to the horizontal plane.

Abstract: A bed 14 has a base frame 32, an elevatable frame 34 and a telescopable column 36 having a base segment 36a connected to the base frame 32 and a terminal segment 36e connected to the elevate able frame 34. Each column circumscribes a lift chain assembly 100 which includes a magazine 102 and a lift chain 160 with a terminal link 240. The magazine 102 is connected to either the base frame 32 or the elevate able frame 34 and the terminal link 240 is connected to the other of the base frame 32 and the elevate able frame 34. The magazine 102 comprises left and right magazine covers 104, 106 each having an outer face and an inner face 112, 114 with grooves 120. The lift chain 160 has left and right rollers 238 that project into the grooves. The lift chain assembly 100 also includes a gear train 320 extending from a gear train drive shaft 334 to a gear train output shaft 338 and a motor 278 having an output shaft 314 connected to the gear train drive shaft 334.

Abstract: A gurney includes a platform connected to a frame by two pairs of X-connected arms configured to reduce the amount of power required to raise the platform from its lowest position relative to the frame. A voltage doubling circuit is provided to approximately double the voltage applied to the motor to allow the platform to be raised and lowered relatively faster than normal. A rotating shaft in an internally threaded nut moves a cross beam to raise or lower the platform. The nut has interior bearings to reduce the friction between the shaft and the nut. A detent mechanism and a brake structure provide fail-safe locking of the platform at a plurality of heights.

Abstract: A patient support system includes independently adjustable end columns supporting a centrally hinged, jointed or breaking patient support structure. At least one column includes a powered rotation assembly. The patient support includes at least two sections. A coordinated drive system provides for both upwardly and downwardly breaking or jointed orientations of the two sections in various inclined and tilted positions. Cable, cantilevered and pull-rod systems are included.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a deck, a plurality of side rails, a control panel, and a plurality of subsystems, such as a bed exit system that detects when a patient may exit from the support apparatus, or a lifting mechanism to raise and lower the deck. A controller is in communication with the control panel and is adapted to monitor conditions regarding the side rails and/or the other subsystems. At least one lamp is also provided on the patient support apparatus that is adapted to be illuminated in a first manner when a plurality of monitored conditions remain in a desired state, and in a second manner when at least one of the plurality of monitored conditions changes to an undesired state.

Abstract: An ambulance cot is disclosed and the ambulance cot having a base frame configured for support on a surface, a litter frame configured for supporting thereon a patient and an elevating mechanism interconnecting the base frame and the litter frame and configured to interconnect the litter frame and the base frame in order to facilitate movement of the base frame and the litter frame toward and away from each other. A control mechanism is provided on the cot which is configured to facilitate the movement of the base frame and the litter frame toward each other and at differing speeds predicated on at least one of whether the base frame is supported on the surface and the litter frame is supported by an external support separate from the elevating mechanism.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus, such as a bed, stretcher, or cot, includes a patient support deck that is directly coupled to elevation adjustment mechanisms without the need for an intervening frame. The elevation adjustment mechanisms may be placed outside the perimeter of the support deck to allow the support deck to be lowered to a greater extent and provide room for attaching side rails to the support deck. The width of the patient support deck may be adjusted by way of extenders, and the sleep surface may also be adjusted by way of foldable strips. A jack type of actuator may be used to pivot the different sections of the support deck with respect to each other. The elevation adjustment mechanisms may include vertical threaded shafts that rotatingly engage threaded collars and raise or lower the collars when the shaft and the collar rotate with respect to each other.

Abstract: A stretcher includes a patient support, a base, and a plurality of support members, which supports the patient support relative to the base. The support members are adapted and arranged to raise or lower the base relative to the patient support. The stretcher also includes a releasable locking link between the patient support and a fixable point at the base.

Abstract: A patient treatment device includes a patient supporting table supported above a platform and having an auxiliary table segment pivotally coupled to a primary table segment, and a back support segment pivotally coupled to the primary table segment, an anchor assembly adjustably anchors the auxiliary table segment to the primary table segment at selected angular positions, and an anchoring mechanism adjustably anchors the back support segment to the auxiliary table segment at required angular positions. A frame is pivotally coupled to the primary table segment, and a latch mechanism adjustably anchors the frame to the primary table segment at the required angular positions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ambulance cots, cot systems and methods of using the same. In particular, the present invention provides an ambulance cot comprising a hydraulic system and a tip angle monitoring, recording and alert system, and methods of using the same (e.g., to transport subjects and/or to detect and/or record operational data related to cot usage).

Abstract: A variable posture bed includes a base rest located on a floor surface; a bed board arranged in a horizontal state above and opposite the base rest; a connection support portion disposed at the center of the base rest between the base rest and the bed board and that supports the bed board to be vertically movable in all directions around the center thereof; connection support portions disposed at four corners of the base rest and the bed board and that support the bed board to be vertically movable; and a drive control device that continuously moves the bed board in the vertical direction with a predetermined operation pattern and that limits the vertical movement of the head side of the bed board between the horizontal position and a predetermined upper position.

Abstract: A support apparatus (10) for use in supporting a person, particularly a bariatric patient. The apparatus (10) is selectively convertible between a seat configuration for supporting the person in a substantially seated position and a table configuration for supporting the person in a substantially prostrate position. The apparatus (10) is both vertically and angularly adjustable in either configuration. The apparatus (10) includes enhanced lateral support provided by telescoping support cylinders (74,76), and substantially automatically retracting foot support portions (50).

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a frame, a plurality of casters coupled to the frame and supporting the frame above a floor, a wheel, a push handle that is coupled to the frame and that is gripable to maneuver the patient support apparatus along the floor, and a brake handle coupled to the push handle and movable to move a brake to impede rotation of the wheel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bed (10), particularly a hospital or nursing bed, which is provided with a bed frame (20) that comprises two side portions (26) on the lateral sides, a head end (21), and a foot end (23). Furthermore, the bed (10) is provided with a mattress support structure (30), which comprises a back section (32) that can be adjusted, a seat surface section (34,36), and a lower leg section (38) that can be adjusted, and with a base (12) under the bed frame (20), wherein the base (12) comprises an end (15) on the foot end side that faces the foot end (23) and an end (17) on the head end side that faces the head end (21). The mattress support structure (30) is divided into a section (30b) on the foot end side and a section (30a) on the head end side along a dividing plane (44) extending substantially parallel to the foot and head parts (24,22) of the bed frame (20).

Abstract: An X-linked lift mechanism having first links (3) and second links (4) constituting an X-linked mechanism between a base frame (1) and a lift frame (2). A drive member (11) is pivotally rotatably installed between the other lateral side portions of the second links and is connected with boost arms (12) and a drive arm (13). Guide members (15) are provided for guiding the moving members (14) installed at the ends of the boost arms. The guide members are installed on the other lateral side portions of the first links in the length direction. Also, a linear actuator is provided so as to extend between the other lateral side of the first links and the drive arm.

Abstract: A patient support system includes a wheeled gurney having an upper support frame with at least one open side. A front support plate and a rear support plate are attached to the upper support frame, with the rear support plate spaced apart from the front support plate to correspond to the at least one open side. There is a first registration element positioned on the front support plate and a second registration element positioned on the rear support plate. The first and the second registration elements are repeatably moveable between a first registration configuration and a second registration configuration. A method of positioning a patient support on a gurney begins by identifying a registration feature on a surface of a patient support and then identifying a mating registration feature on wheeled patient gurney that corresponds to the registration feature.

Abstract: The invention finds application in the field of ambulance transport, emergency transport and other transport equipment. It relates to a stretcher (1) of the type comprising an upper frame (2) with a articulated platform (3) mounted thereto; a from loading carriage (4). The stretcher (1) has at least one additional rear leg (9) and a corresponding support (10) for holding said rear leg (9) against the upper frame (2), in such a manner as to be suspended between the front loading carriage (4) and the additional rear leg (9) during loading and unloading. The provision of a motor-driven coupling system/device allows automatic loading and unloading of said stretcher (1).

Abstract: A patient support apparatus may include a base frame, lift arms, an intermediate frame, a deck support having three articulating sections, a brake system, various drive motors, actuators, and sensors, at least one power source, communication devices, and at least one controller, wherein the lift arms, articulating sections, drive motors, brake system, and actuators may be controlled from the at least one controller and in response to signals received by the various sensors, while storing data internally and/or sending data to a remote location.

Abstract: A collapsible hydraulically operated ambulance cot having a support frame, a wheeled base, a support mechanism disposed therebetween, and a lift system for hydraulically moving the upper frame relative to the lower frame is disclosed. The lift system permits a single attendant to raise the cot from a lowered position to a raised position, and an infinite number of positions therebetween, and to raise the wheeled base relative to the support frame to situate the cot onto an elevated surface such as the transport deck of an ambulance. A manual override is also provided to conserve battery power and as a back-up in no-power situations. It is to be appreciated that the above described manual override mode may be used when raising or lowering the cot without power assist, dropping the undercarriage when unloading from a vehicle, and lifting the undercarriage when loading into a vehicle.

Abstract: A patient support including a frame, plurality of wheels coupled to the frame, a deck, and a scissor mechanism coupled to the frame and the deck to move the deck from a raised position to a lowered position. The support includes brake mechanism including a brake pad to contact the floor to prevent the patient support from rolling.

Abstract: A vehicle for use in hospitals, and the like, giving better mobility, steering, braking and passenger handling while providing comfort to the passengers from the time they lay down until they are standing on the side through the rotation and tilting ability of the frame.

Abstract: The present embodiments relate to a lifting unit for a patient support. The lifting unit includes a base plate, a motor drive, a lifting drive driven by the motor drive and received in the base plate. The lifting drive is adapted to carry out a lifting movement and a movement in the opposite direction. A triggering element is activated when the pressure exerted by the lifting drive on the base plate falls below a defined minimum value. The movement of the lifting drive is stopped in response to the activation of the triggering element. If the patient support collides with an obstacle during lifting, the pressure exerted by the lifting drive on the base plate is reduced. The reduced pressure is detected by the triggering element and the movement of the patient support is stopped.

Abstract: A patient bed includes a base, a patent support supported by the base, and a control system. The patient support includes a pivotal head-end section, with the control system including an actuator to pivot the head-end section and being adapted to control the speed of the actuator and, further, to selectively increase the speed of the actuator to pivot the head-end section at a greater speed.

Abstract: A steerable ultra-low patient bed that incorporates a means for maintaining verticality of the caster stem at all height positions of the bed and a means for selectively locking the caster assemblies of the bed in a desired locking position. The means for selectively locking the caster assemblies may be actuated from either end of the bed using a central actuation mechanism. The bed according to the present invention has legs that are pivotally and translatably attached at their upper end to a frame of the bed and caster support members that are longitudinally aligned with the bed pivotally attached to the lower end of each leg. The caster support members each have a single caster assembly attached thereto. The means for maintaining verticality of the caster stem incorporates a constraint means that urges the caster support member in a direction of rotation opposite to that of the leg during adjustment of the height of the bed.

Abstract: A bed assembly includes a wheeled base, a sub-frame and mattress support frame. The sub-frame supports a plurality of electrically operated actuators which provide for raising and lowering of the bed. The bed can be lowered to a first low position in which the bed frame is around 38 to 45 centimeters above floor height and to a lower position in which the frame is around 30 centimeters above floor height. The bed is lowered to the first height upon receipt of a first command input and can only be lowered below that first height upon receipt of a second control input distinct from the first control input. Preferably, the bed is lowered at a slower speed from the first low height to its lowermost position.

Abstract: A bed is described having a support member for supporting an individual thereon; a base member configured to support the support member above a surface; a primary height adjusting mechanism operable to adjust the height of the support member with respect to the base member. The primary height adjusting mechanism includes an arrangement of a plurality of link arms drivably coupled to one or more actuators which raises the support frame member. During raising of the support frame member from its lowermost position to its fully raised position there is an initial lifting stage when the lifting force applied by the associated actuator to the arrangement of link arms acts at a shorter distance from a fulcrum of the arrangement of link arms to the support frame and therefore with a greater moment of force than during a later stage of lifting movement. A secondary height adjusting mechanism is operable to adjust the height of the base member with respect to the surface.