Abstract: A passive spine elongation device has a front portion and a rear portion pivotally connected to the front leg portion. An adjustment device connected to the front portion and the rear portion allows the distance between the front and leg portions to be adjusted, thereby allowing a variable apex angle and adjustable height of the same. The front portion includes a head support, a torso support and a pelvic/hip support. The rear portion includes a leg support. The head support is spaced from the torso support, while the torso support is also spaced from the pelvic/hip support.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus comprises a support frame and a patient support deck carried by the support frame. The patient support deck has a foot section configured to articulate relative to the support frame. A deck extension assembly comprises an extension frame and a deck extension section configured to extend and retract relative to the support frame. One more bearings are arranged between the deck extension section and the support frame. The deck extension section is movably coupled to the extension frame so that the deck extension section is able to move relative to the extension frame and relative to the foot section when the deck extension section extends and retracts relative to the support frame such that the deck extension section maintains contact with the bearing when extending and retracting relative to the support frame.

Abstract: A person support apparatus includes a first transceiver adapted to wirelessly communicate with a second transceiver of a headwall interface that is positioned off of the person support apparatus. A communication link is automatically established between the first and second transceivers without requiring a user of the person support apparatus to activate a designated control and without requiring the user to identify the headwall interface. The first transceiver includes a unique identifier assigned to the headwall interface in its messages to the headwall interface. The first transceiver may also automatically transmit a disconnect signal to the headwall interface indicating the termination of the communication link is not accidental. The disconnect signal is sent based on one or more of the following: (1) a brake being off, (2) an A/C power cord being unplugged; and/or (3) a signal strength between the transceivers decreasing.

Abstract: A zero gap foldable powered bed comprises a bed frame and a sliding mechanism disposed upon said bed frame. The bed further comprises back, lumbar, seat, thigh, and leg decks operatively connected to the sliding mechanism, and the bed frame includes a head end frame member which is disposed within a vertically oriented plane. Linear actuators are operatively connected to the back and leg decks, and when the back deck is elevated or lowered, the sliding mechanism slides upon the bed frame so as to maintain the head end frame member, to which a headboard may be attached, within the vertically oriented plane such that a free end portion of the back deck will always be disposed immediately adjacent to the vertically oriented plane such that the back and shoulders of a person, lying or sitting upon the bed, will remain close to a nightstand, which may be disposed close to the bed, such that articles disposed upon the nightstand are always readily accessible.

Abstract: An access system for managing users engaged in providing care to patients. A patient support apparatus is provided and comprises a frame, a patient support surface configured to support the patient, and a powered device having a function. An input system is disposed in communication with the powered device and is configured to receive input data. A user control system is disposed in communication with the input system and comprises an authorization module. The authorization module is configured to access a permission level for a user dictating whether the user has permission to operate the powered device with the input system to perform the function. The authorization module is further configured to determine performance data relating to performance of the user in caring for the patient based on the input data, and to modify the permission level based on the performance data.

Abstract: A braking and steering control apparatus to help a user stop, secure and move an object across a surface. The apparatus is particularly useful for securing and moving objects that are moveably supported on the surface by a wheel assembly, such as a caster, carriage and wheel float. The apparatus attaches to or is integral with a wheel assembly, an object or an item associated with the object. The apparatus has a wheeled action arm assembly, a reaction arm and a plurality of levers, links and pedals that are pivotally connected to the action arm assembly and reaction arm that allow the user to select whether the apparatus will allow safe, easy movement of an object or whether the object will be safely and effectively secured on a surface. The user selects the braking or steering operation and operates the controls using one of his or her feet.

Abstract: A surgical frame and method for use thereof is provided. The surgical frame is capable of reconfiguration before, during, or after surgery using a moveable main beam supporting a patient thereon. The surgical frame includes a translating lower beam that is moveable between at least a first lateral position and a second lateral position, and a linkage and/or surgical equipment supportively and moveably attached to the translating lower beam or interconnected with the translating lower beam via the linkage. The linkage and/or the surgical equipment are moveable between a first position at or adjacent a first end of the translating lower beam and a second position at or adjacent a second end of the translating lower beam. The translating lower beam is used to join a first support portion and a second support portion of the surgical frame to one another, and movement of the translating lower beam affords access to a patient receiving area.

Abstract: A system and a method for managing patient therapy protocols are disclosed. The system includes a patient support apparatus for supporting a patient, a first input device for use by a first caregiver, a location system for determining a location of the first caregiver, and a therapy management system. The therapy management system receives a location of the first caregiver and a selection of a patient therapy protocol, which includes a location requirement. The therapy management system then determines whether the first caregiver location input signal satisfies the location requirement before initiating the selected patient therapy protocol or notifying a second caregiver if the location of the first caregiver does not satisfy the location requirement.

Abstract: A device that allows the user to provide spinal traction and splay in a localized and fully controllable way that has the device auto-return to a neutral position in case the user inadvertently loses control of operating the device, that has the ability to induce corrective spinal curvature from the lordotic neck curvature to the sacral curvature, that has the ability to conform or adjust to the varying curvature of differing body builds, that has the ability to provide corrective curvatures to all sides of a human body (front, side, back, and any hybridized orientation), that is adjustable for ergonomics to stretch or to compress any sections of the spinal curvature in a localized manner, that allows the benefits of splaying forces to correct spinal curvature, and that allows axial adjustment to the spinuous process.

Abstract: A motorized furniture according to embodiments of the present invention includes a control unit. The control unit transitions to a first falling asleep operation at second time where the elapse of time since first time, where the sleep of a user of the motorized furniture is detected, is equal to or larger than a first time threshold. The control unit performs a second falling asleep operation when a variation of a signal corresponding to a biological signal of the user in a first period during the first falling asleep operation is smaller than the variation in a first prior period, which exists prior to the first period, during the first falling asleep operation or when the absolute value of a difference between the variation in the first period and the variation in the first prior period is smaller than a first variation threshold.

Abstract: A patient transport apparatus comprises support structure. The support structure comprises a base, a support frame, and a patient support deck. A headboard and a footboard are coupled to the support structure. The support frame comprises a head section and a body section, the body section coupled to the patient support deck. The patient support deck comprises a patient support surface capable of articulating relative to the support frame. The head section is movable relative to the body section to define first and second configurations of the support frame, the support frame having a first footprint in the first configuration and a second footprint, smaller than the first footprint, in the second configuration.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a support frame and a patient support deck operatively attached to the support frame. The patient support deck includes an adjacent pair of deck sections. An actuator is coupled to a first one of the adjacent deck sections, and the actuator, in combination with a deck articulating assembly, moves the first one of the adjacent deck sections relative to the support frame and second one of the adjacent pair of deck sections between an initial configuration and a raised configuration. In the raised configuration, the inner adjacent end of the first deck section is spaced further from the corresponding inner adjacent end of the second deck section, and the outer end opposite the inner adjacent end of the first one of the adjacent deck sections is spaced further away from the support frame, than in the initial configuration.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a support frame and a patient support deck operatively attached to the support frame. The patient support deck includes an adjacent pair of deck sections with a first one of the deck sections moveable between an initial configuration and a raised configuration. A gap covering deck section is slidingly engaged to a top surface of the first or second one of the adjacent deck sections and is pivotably coupled to either the other one of the deck sections or to the support frame, with the gap covering deck section configured to slide along the top surface in response to the movement of the first one of the deck sections so as to be at least partially disposed over a gap between the adjacent deck sections when the first one of the deck sections is in the raised configuration.

Abstract: Adjustable sleeping system with massage function. At least one example embodiment is a method of operating a sleeping system, the method including massaging a person residing on a sleeping surface of the sleeping system, the massaging by driving a plurality of adjustable spring assemblies, the plurality of adjustable spring assemblies part of an array of adjustable spring assemblies arranged such that a top of each adjustable spring assembly defines an upper surface parallel to the sleeping surface.

Abstract: A sensor system senses a plurality of environmental phenomena and send a data message with sensed parameters. The computer system determines an indication that the sensed parameter indicated low-quality sleep and sends an instruction to adjust the environment. A control system adjusts the environment without particular input from a user.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vibrating massage table (1) including a support leg (3) on which rests a table top (2) tilting about a joint (4) with a central axis (40) and permitting an inclination of a patient, said table top being subdivided longitudinally into several butt-joined transverse cushions (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10) each adapted to a part of the body, one of the cushions (10), adapted to the ankles and the feet of the patient, being subdivided into two portions activated to vibrate alternately by at least one motor means. Said table includes means for modifying the height and/or means for modifying the inclination of at least one of the cushions by lifting one or the other of the transverse edges of said cushion. The platform is subdivided into two frames (21, 22) articulated to each other at the level of a joint (41), for an inclination between said frames.

Abstract: An adjustable bed system includes a pair of side rails transversely spaced, longitudinally aligned and arranged parallel to each other; and a pair of lifting assemblies attached respectively to the pair of side rails for operably adjusting positions of at least one part of a bed. Each lifting assembly comprises a back lifting arm and a leg lifting mechanism; a bracket; and a back lifting actuator and a leg lifting actuator received in the bracket. Each actuator includes an activation member and a motor member engaged with the activation member for driving the activation member. The activation member of the back lifting actuator is engaged with the back lifting arm for operably adjusting the back lifting arm at desired back positions. The activation member of the leg lifting actuator is engaged to the leg lifting mechanism for operably adjusting the leg lifting mechanism at desired leg positions.

Abstract: An apparatus that supports a person in a variety of positions so that a tattoo artist can comfortably apply a tattoo to the skin of the supported person is herein disclosed. The apparatus can be articulated to cause a person's legs and arms to be optimally positioned and supported to receive a tattoo.

Abstract: An actuating system including at least one actuation section that includes a plurality of actuating supports. Each of the actuating supports includes a shaft assembly and configured to be actuated individually. The shaft assembly of each of the plurality of actuating supports is configured to translate between a first position and a second position. In the first position an actuated actuating support is aligned with the remaining of the plurality of actuating supports and in the second position the actuated actuating support is misaligned with the remaining of the plurality of actuating supports.

Abstract: In general, various surgical patient positioners and methods for using the same are provided. For example, a surgical patient support is provided for use during anterior hip replacement surgery. The surgical patient support can have a body support configured to receive an upper body of a patient thereon and one or more extremity supports configured to receive one or more patient extremities thereon.

Abstract: A surgical table for prone and lateral positioning of a patient, where the table includes a base and a patient support structure. The base may include a head and a foot end support structure. The patient support structure may include an upper body support structure cantilevered off of the head end support structure at a first end and a lower body support structure cantilevered off of the foot end support structure at a second end. The upper body support structure may include a chest pad. The lower body support structure may include a lower body translation and rotation structure and at least one pelvic pad supported thereon.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus comprises a base and a patient support deck. The patient support deck comprises a back section capable of articulating relative to a seat section. A lift system lifts or lowers the patient support deck relative to the base. An articulation system articulates the back section relative to the seat section. Head end side rails are mounted to the back section to articulate with the back section. A controller controls operation of the lift system and/or the articulation system to prevent the head end side rails from colliding with obstacles, such as the floor surface.

Abstract: A method of administering a massage that includes employing, by a massage practitioner, a foot of the massage practitioner to deliver force to a patient that is lying on a patient supporting device, and utilizing, by the massage practitioner, a flexible member affixed to patient supporting surface to assist with balance while employing the foot of the massage practitioner to deliver force to the patient. An apparatus for adapting a portable massage table that includes an elongated body extending in a longitudinal direction and at least one clasp attached to the elongated body. The elongated body has a substantially U-shaped cross-sectional configuration. The at least one clasp is adaptable for securing a flexible member to the elongated body.

Abstract: Techniques for a patient support apparatus are provided to assist in transferring power/data to an external electronic device, such as a smartphone. The patient support apparatus comprises a support structure, a power supply and a portable charging device. The charging device comprises an energy storage unit and a receiving element coupled to the energy storage unit. The receiving element is configured to wirelessly receive power. A receptacle is coupled to the support structure and comprises a surface including a sending element being coupled to the power supply. The surface is configured to receive the charging device. The charging device is removable from the surface. The sending element is configured to wirelessly transfer power to the receiving element of the charging device such that the energy storage unit of the charging device stores the transferred power for charging an external electronic device.

Abstract: An electric bed with an adjustable bed length, containing an upper head bed frame, an upper foot bed frame, a lower bed frame, and a plurality of bedboards. Wherein at least one of the plurality of bedboards is pivotable relative to the lower bed frame. Wherein either of the upper head bed frame and the upper foot bed frame is fixed/immobile relative to the lower bed frame while the other contains a moving component which moves back and forth relative to the lower bed frame between a rest position and an extension position. Wherein the at least pivotable bedboard keeps horizontal and the upper head bed frame is away from the upper foot bed frame by Distance 1 when the moving component is located at the rest position, while the at least one pivotable bedboard pivots and there is Distance 2 between the upper head bed frame and the upper foot bed frame when the moving part is located at the extension position. Wherein Distance 2 is longer than Distance 1.

Abstract: A method of positioning an occupant (98) of a bed includes identifying (204) the presence of a discrepancy between an existing occupant position and a target occupant position, and establishing (206) an elevation gradient having a direction, magnitude and position compatible with moving the occupant from the existing occupant position to the target position. In one variant of the method the step of establishing an elevation gradient is one substep of a preordained sequence of bladder inflations and deflations. In another variant, the method includes determining (210) if the discrepancy has been corrected and responding to any noncorrection of the discrepancy.

Abstract: A pillow support assembly includes panel that has a top side, a bottom side, and a perimeter edge. The perimeter edge includes a first edge and a second edge positioned opposite of each other. The panel includes a first portion including the first edge and a second portion including second edge. The top side of the second portion is formable into a concave shape from the first portion to the second edge and the second portion is pivotable over the first portion when the second portion is in the concave shape. A securing member releasably secures the second portion in an arced condition extending over the first portion. The bottom side of the second portion supports a pillow when the second portion is in the arced condition.

Abstract: A hospital bed comprising: a frame; a plurality of extendable patient support panels mounted to the frame, each patient support panel including a central section and at least one side section selectively movable laterally towards and away from the central section; a movement transmission assembly including at least one transmission member connecting at least two of the movable side sections for laterally moving at least one of the movable side sections when another one of the movable side sections is moved.

Abstract: A variable width support system includes an adjustable width person support apparatus (PSA), an adjustable width person support surface (PSS), and first and second controllers. The first controller controls a function of the PSA and receives a first input corresponding to a function of the PSA via a first user interface. The second controller controls a function of the PSS and: a) receives a second input corresponding to a function of the PSS via a second user interface when the first controller is not in communication with the second controller, and b) receives a third input corresponding to a function of the PSS via the first controller when the first controller is in communication with the second controller. The second controller controls a function of the PSS in accordance with the third input when the first controller is in communication with the second controller.

Abstract: A wall-mounted collapsible exercise system which is adjustable between a collapsed position against a wall and an expanded position for use in multiple exercise configurations. The wall-mounted collapsible exercise system generally includes a mount support adapted to be connected to a wall, a body support adapted to support an exerciser, and a base support adapted to support the body support when the body support is in use. The body support may be pivotably connected to the mount support and the base support may be pivotably connected to the body support such that the body support and base support are adjustable between a first collapsed position for storage and a second expanded position for use. When in the expanded position, the body support may be converted between a glute ham developer configuration and a reverse hyper configuration through use of various exercise attachments.

Abstract: A foundation for a bed system can include an actuator, a deck mechanism operably related to the actuator so as to be actuated between raised and lowered positions in response to actuation by the actuator, and a controller operably connected to the actuator and configured to drive the actuator to actuate the deck mechanism between a lower position and an upper position. The deck mechanism can be configured to move to a service position that is further than the upper position. The deck mechanism can expose and permit access to a serviceable component when the deck mechanism is in the service position. A method of using a foundation having a service position is also described.

Abstract: A robotic surgical system comprises a horizontal platform to support a patient, a rail positioned about the horizontal platform, a carriage operatively coupled to and configured to translate along the rail, and a robotic arm operatively coupled to the carriage and translated about the patient by the rail. The robotic arm is configured to operate on the patient in a variety of positions provided by the translating carriage. The rail provides a rounded path for the carriage, such as a U-shaped path. The U-shaped path may comprise a first leg and a second leg, the first leg longer than the second leg. Furthermore, the system may comprise a plurality of carriages operatively coupled to the rail and a plurality of robotic arms. Also, the system may further comprise a central base which the horizontal platform can articulate relative to, such as by translating horizontally or vertically, rotating, or titling.

Abstract: A sleep system comprises at least one mattress including a first sleep area for a first occupant, the first sleep area including a first section for a portion of a body of the first occupant, and a second sleep area adjacent to the first sleep area for a second occupant, the second sleep area including a second section for a portion of a body of the second occupant, an articulation system for articulating the first section and the second section, a first user controller configured to communicate with the articulation system in order to control articulation of the first section, and a second user controller configured to communicate with the articulation system in order to control articulation of the second section, wherein the first user controller is further configured to communicate with the articulation system in order to move the second section into a predetermined position.

Abstract: An articulating bed incorporating a frame employs a support member for a mattress secured to a frame for articulating motion. An upper body portion of the support member is rotatable through a range of motion from an aligned position with the frame to a fully elevated position angularly supporting the upper body portion in a raised position. A massage exciter is affixed to a bottom surface of the support member and is operative to sonically engage the flexible support.

Abstract: A person support apparatus includes one or more motorized actuators that are braked in different manners depending upon whether or not electrical power is available to the control system. When electrical power is not available, a delay circuit delays closing a first switch that, when closed, short circuits the terminals of one of the motors. When power is available, other switches are opened and closed in a manner that short circuits the terminals of the motor while the first switch remains open. The other switches may be part of an H-bridge. The control system may also detect back emf (electromotive force) generated by the motor when electrical power is available and issue a notification to a technician or other user if an amplitude and/or duration of the detected back emf exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: A system for changing the width of a person support apparatus includes a bed controller for receiving a command signal indicating a command for width alteration, a first motor controlled by the bed controller for driving an extension of a first deck section of the support apparatus thereby altering the width of the first deck section, and a second motor controlled by the bed controller for driving an extension of a second deck section of the support apparatus thereby altering the width of the second deck section. The bed controller controls the first motor and the second motor in a manner that causes the first deck section to reach a first deck section width alteration limit at a first time and the second deck section to reach a second deck section width alteration limit at a second time, wherein the first time and the second time are not equal.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure include a traction device for relieving lower back pain and stiffness and reducing lumbar spine intervertebral disc displacement. The device may include a sliding spine assembly attached to a head rest pad, a torso pad, and a hip pad, an adjustable length vector bar extending outwardly from the spine assembly, wherein the vector bar is rotatably attached to the sliding spine assembly such that the vector bar is configured to move in a plurality of vectors, a cross bar foot brace tube attached to the vector bar; a foot rest positioned on the foot brace tube, a belt positioned proximate to the torso pad, and a strap assembly attached to the foot brace tube or the distal end of the vector bar, the strap assembly configured to attach to the belt and apply traction to a user's back.

Abstract: An articulable sleep system has a first head section, a second head section, and a joined leg section that are each separable articulable. A head motor system includes a first and second head motors operably connected to the first and second head sections. A leg motor system includes first and second leg motors operably connected to the joined leg section. A first user controlling device is hard wired to each of the first head motor, the first leg motor, and the second leg motor. A second user controlling device hard wired to each of the second head motor, the first leg motor, and the second leg motor.

Abstract: A portable therapy table configured to have a folded position and a deployed position wherein the portable therapy table is operable to facilitate a downward movement for a user superposed thereon. The portable therapy table includes a frame having a first portion and a second portion hingedly coupled. A user support surface is superposed the frame. The frame includes an extendable engagement member extending outward therefrom wherein the extendable engagement member includes a telescopic lower section and an upper section perpendicular thereto. The frame is support by foldable forward leg members and a rear leg member. The rear leg member is configured similarly to a piston so as to provide the desired movement of the second portion of the frame. Actuators are mounted to the upper section of the extendable engagement member and are operably coupled to a controller wherein the controller facilitates movement of the rear leg member.

Abstract: An adjustable mattress foundation includes a frame having at least one movable frame portion and a panel coupled for movement with the movable frame portion. The panel includes a lower surface in facing relationship with the movable frame portion and an upper surface. The adjustable mattress foundation also includes an actuator supported upon the frame and operable to selectively incline the at least one movable frame portion, a vibration motor, and a support suspending the vibration motor relative to the panel The support is mounted to the upper surface of the panel.

Abstract: A high frequency cancer thermotherapy apparatus treats by generating a high frequency electric field between a pair of electrode parts which sandwich a patient and are disposed so as to be opposite to each other and perform a dielectric heating with respect to an affected part. The apparatus includes a bed having a bed part and a bed supporting part for liftably/lowerably and horizontally movably supporting the bed part, a gantry on which the electrode parts are mounted, and a high frequency generation and control part. A maximum-sized electrode part which can be mounted on the gantry includes an electrode plate having a diameter exceeding 300 mm and a pad attached on the electrode plate. The bed part includes an opening part formed such that the maximum-sized electrode part can pass from a vertical direction, a shutter which opens/closes the opening part, and a bed surface flatization device.

Abstract: A device for controlling an operating table is disclosed. The device has a controller that controls a traction drive device that moves the operating table. The device also has at least one control element disposed on the controller. The traction drive device moves the operating table from a stopped state to a first speed based on a first actuation of the at least one control element. The traction drive device increases the operating table speed from the first speed to a second speed based on the first actuation of the at least one control element being interrupted for a first time period that is shorter than a first interruption time period and based on a double actuation of the at least one control element.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the digital bed system is comprised of an array of support cells. Each support cells is capable of communicating with a controller and increasing and decreasing in firmness in response to commands issued by a controller. The support cells are operatively connected to a communication channel that is also connected to a controller. The controller is capable of receiving data from the support cells and is also capable of issuing commands to each of the support cells. The controller is programmed issue commands to increase or decrease the firmness of individual support cells within the support cells.

Abstract: An auxiliary device for muscle strength training is provided, which includes: a base; a sliding member slidingly coupled to the base; and a connecting-rod mechanism connected to the base and the sliding member in such a way that a positional shift of the sliding member allows the connecting-rod mechanism to rotate relative to the base and change its state. As such, the auxiliary device has first and second configurations to assist patients who are incapable of controlling their muscles by themselves to effectively train specific muscle groups. Further, elastic members are connected to the base and the connecting-rod mechanism and provide elastic potential energies so as to keep the auxiliary device in static equilibrium. The auxiliary device has a simple structure and is easily manufactured at a low cost and applicable for patients with muscle strength lower than grade 3.

Abstract: A seat cushion device capable of adjusting hardness of a seat cushion including a seating surface, on which a user is seated, includes a recessed part that is formed in a back surface of the seating surface in the seat cushion, a left plate that faces a back surface of a left thigh holding part of the seating surface, on which a left leg thigh of the user is located, and that is movable inside the recessed part vertically, a right plate that faces a back surface of a right thigh holding part of the seating surface, on which a right leg thigh of the user is located, and that is movable inside the recessed part vertically, and a gap adjustment mechanism that moves the left plate and the right plate vertically in an independent manner, and that can adjust a clearance from the back surface of the seating surface.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns an adjustable bed with a deck-on-deck appearance. A concealing assembly is attached to the center frame of an articulating bed, wherein the concealing assembly is situated below the mattress platform and conceals the base frame as the center frame moves along the base frame when the bed articulates. In other embodiments, such as for non-wall hugger beds where the center frame is stationary, a concealing assembly may still be used but will also be stationary.

Abstract: An articulated patient support apparatus includes upper and lower body support frames hinged together to form a patient support assembly which is hinged to head and foot end supports. One end of the assembly includes a length compensator to enable hinged angulation between the body support frames. Hinge motors are connected between the frames to cause hinged articulation therebetween. One or both of the body support frames has a body slide assembly mounted thereon to enable part of a patient's body to move linearly along the particular body support frame by operation of a slide motor to compensate for hinged articulation of the frames. The hinge motors and slide motor have encoders interfaced to a controller to digitally coordinate sliding movement with hinging articulation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for operating an operating table (30) comprising a plurality of components (32 to 46) which are adjustable by means of control elements. By actuating at least a first control element (14 to 24), a first action of at least a first drive unit for adjusting at least a first component (32 to 46) is performed. By actuating a second control element (26), the first action performed by actuating the first control element (14 to 24) is automatically completely reversed.

Abstract: A modular supporting element has a supporting surface for a user and includes a plurality of elastic modules, suitable for being deformed according to a direction substantially perpendicular to the supporting surface of the user. Each module has a side surface and an upper portion, wherein the modules are arranged juxtaposed to each other with the side surfaces substantially in contact or with the side surfaces at such a distance as not to prevent contact between one module and another during the elastic deformation movement. The modules have anti-friction surfaces arranged in a part of the side surface of the modules in such a way as to prevent interferences by friction between one module and another. The modular supporting element is made up of a plurality of modules with different rigidity from area to area without any appreciable influence between one module and another.

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.