Abstract: A patient support including a propulsion device for moving the patient support. The patient support includes a propulsion system having a propulsion device operably coupled to an input system. The input system controls the speed and direction of the propulsion device such that a caregiver can direct the patient support to a desired location.

Abstract: An apparatus is configured to be located on a frame of a patient support, the frame having a top surface configured to support a patient, the top surface having a length dimension and a width dimension. The apparatus includes an overlay positioned over the frame of the patient support, the overlay having an upper surface to support the patient and a lower surface configured to abut the top surface of the patient support. The overlay has a width dimension greater than the width dimension of the top surface. A retainer maintains the overlay in a desired position on the frame.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gelatinous composite article. The article has a first and a second heat formable and heat reversible gelatinous elastomer material, a first permeable layer, and a control gap. Each of the gelatinous materials is a three-dimensional shape having an upper side, a base side and at least one connecting side. The first connecting side and the second connecting side are adjacent to each other so the first and second materials are essentially side-by-side within the same horizontal plane. The first permeable layer has a top side and a bottom side. The top side attaches to the first and second connecting side. The control gap is interspaced between the bottom side of the first permeable layer. This gap degrades the rigidity between each connecting side and provides an equivalent structural property throughout the article.

Abstract: A wheeled patient support assembly that allows a patient and at least one medical attendant to be moved while the medical attendant(s) administer medical treatment to the patient comprising a patient support surface, rolling mechanisms or other means for moving the assembly over the floor, at least one attendant support platform(s) built into or connected with the assembly and constructed to support the weight of one or more attendant(s) and being positioned so the attendant(s) can safely stand on the platform section(s) and treat the patient while the assembly is being moved, and including safety railings to prevent the attendant(s) from falling off the assembly. Further, the assembly is designed and constructed to be stable to prevent it from tipping, leaning or becoming unstable while in use. The object of the invention is to allow a patient to be moved simultaneously while emergency medical care is administered.

Abstract: A reinforcing plate having a Z-shaped profile with a raised section and an extended base plate is welded to the vertical aspect of a rear side rail of a sickbed comprised of a front and a rear frame. The front and rear frames of such a sickbed are connected to each other by engaging a hook formed at the end of the front side rails with a horizontal pin fixedly attached to both the vertical aspect of the rear side rail and the raised section of the reinforcing plate. The reinforcing plate provides important structural support to a vulnerable part of the sickbed frame and thereby augments the weight bearing capability of such a sickbed, and further protects the hook-and-pin coupling of the front and rear side rails from inadvertent displacement or other dislodging and deforming forces. The sickbed is therefore deemed to be safer than sickbeds of the prior art.

Abstract: The bed, in particular a sickbed or nursing bed, includes a bedstead having a mattress supporting surface and a plurality of swivelling rollers each of which is provided with a holding element attached to the bedstead and at least one roller body rotatably supported on the holding element. The bedstead includes receiving portions for the holding elements. Each receiving portion has an open lower side averting the mattress supporting surface of the bedstead, beyond which lower side the respective holding element projects. Each receiving portion is further open at at least one side face essentially extending transversely to the lower side. The holding elements are capable of being inserted via these side faces into the receiving portions.

Abstract: A surgical table which includes a patient support surface 16 for receiving a patient, a vertically-movable support column connected to and supporting the patient support surface, and a pair of four-bar linkages for laterally tilting patient support surface relative to the support column. The support column includes a base that is mounted for vertical movement between a first position in which the surgical table is movable on rollers and a second position wherein the base contacts the floor to lock the position of the surgical table during a procedure. One or more trays may be pivotally connected to the patient support surface and selectively deployed to hold objects such as surgical instruments.

Abstract: A multiple level elevating cot adapted to be rolled into emergency vehicles, the cot having a wheeled undercarriage supporting a cot frame having a leading end and a trailing end, and adapted to selectively secure the cot frame in a plurality of elevational positions. The cot frame includes a pair of side extension arms provided between the leading end and the trailing end, each of the side extension arms being adapted to slidably extend outwardly from a stowed position adjacent the cot frame to an extended position substantially perpendicular to the cot frame. The cot frame may form a part of an integral stretcher or may serve as a carrier to which a separable top structure, such as a stretcher/stair chair, may be detachably secured, the cot frame including seats for slidably receiving the top structure and latching means for securing the top structure to the cot frame.

Abstract: A folding collapsible massage bed constructed to include a bedstead formed of two equal open frames hinged together by leaved hinge means, two mattress elements respectively mounted on the open frames, two legs respectively pivoted to the open frames, two cord members bilaterally connected between the legs to limit the outward turning angle of the legs, four folding braces bilaterally symmetrically connected between the legs and hinge leaves of the hinge means, and locking means adapted for locking the folding braces in the extended position.

Abstract: A vertically adjustable mechanical bed consisting of a bed frame for support of a mattress and occupant attached to moveable leg means powered by a motor means. Operation of the motor means causes a bearing block attached to the leg means to move longitudinally along a guide rod means, thereby collapsing the leg means beneath the bed and moving the bed frame vertically. Collapsing the bed to its substantially lowermost position causes the bearing block to engage a spring, thereby compressing said spring between the bearing block and a transverse member of the bed frame. The energy stored by the compression of the spring is used to raise the bed from its substantially lowermost position. Pivotally attached to the leg means is a rolling means consisting of a caster and foot arrangement. During normal operation, the foot is firmly engaged with the floor surface.

Abstract: An improved massage bed structure, which is foldable into a compact case to facilitate transport and storage, including a bed frame, a mattress, an inclination adjusting structure and a height adjusting structure. The inclination and height adjusting structures permit easy adjustment of the angles of inclination of a back pad and the massage bed, and the height of a waist and hip pad to comply with ergonomics. A pillow is provided to provide good support for the user's head and is capable of height and angle adjustment. A rest plate is mounted at the lower end of the pillow to provide support for the user's elbows to help the user to relax the shoulder muscles to thereby enhance massaging effects.

Abstract: The bed, in particular a sickbed or nursing bed, comprises a bedstead (12) having a mattress supporting surface (18) and a plurality of swivelling rollers (42) each of which is provided with a holding element (50) attached to the bedstead (12) and at least one roller body (48) rotatably supported on the holding element (50). The bedstead (12) comprises receiving portions (60) for the holding elements (50). Each receiving portion (60) has an open lower side (64) averting the mattress supporting surface (18) of the bedstead (12), beyond which lower side (64) the respective holding element (50) projects. Each receiving portion (60) is further open at at least one side face (68) essentially extending transversely to the lower side (64). The holding elements (50) are capable of being inserted via these side faces (68) into the receiving portions (60).

Abstract: Described is a collapsible cart for transporting items from a first surface to a raised surface. The collapsible cart comprises a platform, for carrying items thereon, wherein the platform comprises a front edge and a back edge. A collapsible front leg is attached to the platform. The collapsible front leg comprises an front upper leg and a front lower leg. Connected to the front upper leg and to the front lower leg is a spring biased to rotate the front lower leg towards an extended position relative to the front upper leg. A front release mechanism persuades the collapsible front legs to be withdrawn towards the platform. A collapsible rear leg is also attached to the platform. The collapsible rear leg comprises a rear upper leg, a rear lower leg and a spring connected there between biased to rotate the rear lower leg towards an extended position relative to the rear upper leg. A rear release mechanism allows the collapsible rear leg to be withdrawn towards the platform.

Abstract: A patient support and powered transport apparatus are provided. The powered transport apparatus is provided to assist a caregiver in moving the patient support from one location in a care facility to another.

Abstract: An improved massage bed structure, which is foldable into a compact case to facilitate transport and storage, including a bed frame, a mattress, an inclination adjusting structure and a height adjusting structure. The inclination and height adjusting structures permit easy adjustment of the angles of inclination of a back pad and the massage bed, and the height of a waist and hip pad to comply with ergonomics. A pillow is provided to provide good support for the user's head and is capable of height and angle adjustment. A rest plate is mounted at the lower end of the pillow to provide support for the user's elbows to help the user to relax the shoulder muscles to thereby enhance massaging effects.

Abstract: A caster apparatus is provided for a patient support. The caster apparatus includes a braking system.

Abstract: A mobile medical emergency and surgical table that comprises a frame assembly, a pair of mechanically advantaged undercarriage assemblies having wheels, a plurality of stretcher yoke assemblies, a plurality of preferably uniformly dimensioned and interchangeable storage cassettes, an electrical subsystem, and a plurality of optional mounts for the attachment of medical and surgical equipment.

Abstract: A patient support including a linkage assembly providing communication between at least one front wheel and at least one rear wheel.

Abstract: A physiotherapy bench includes a frame supported by legs in an elevated, use position, and an arcuate body supporting panel on the frame. The supporting panel includes a substantially horizontal front end for supporting the chest of a patient, and an inclined rear end for supporting the hips and the upper portion of the legs of a patient, whereby the spine is subjected to gentle traction. A headrest is resiliently connected to the front end of the frame for floating support of the head of a patient.

Abstract: A mobile veterinary gurney having a base frame member supporting a mobility means, an elevation scissor frame member mounted on the base frame, and a gurney table mounted on the elevation scissor frame, there being mounted on the elevation scissor frame member a manually actuated, pressurized gas cylinder cooperative with the base frame member for controlling the opening and closing of the elevation scissor frame member and allowing the elevation of the gurney table to be locked at a selected height.

Abstract: A rehabilitation bed for obese persons is provided that has a center frame section with first and second ends. A transport assembly is coupled to the center frame section that has at least one pair of transport wheels depending downwardly from the center frame section. A head base frame is pivotally coupled to the one end of the center frame section and a foot base frame is pivotally coupled to the other end of the center frame section. A patient support surface is coupled to the center frame section, the head base frame, and the foot base frame and is adapted to provide support for a mattress for the bed. The bed may thus be unfolded for use by a person with the head base frame, center frame section and the foot base frame located in substantially the same plane. The head base frame and foot base frame may also be pivoted upwardly relative to the center frame section leaving the transport wheels in contact with the ground so that the bed is easily transportable from room to room.

Abstract: A stretcher includes an elongated frame having an upper frame and a lower frame. A patient-support deck is supported by the upper frame and includes a patient-support surface. Casters are mounted to the lower frame and a pair of push bars are mounted to the upper frame. Each push bar includes a handle post that can be gripped by a caregiver to push the stretcher. Each push bar is mounted to the upper frame for movement between a push position having the handle post extending above the patient-support surface and a down-out-of-the-way position having a portion of the push bar located underneath the upper frame. The stretcher also includes a pair of latches coupled to the upper frame to pivot about respective axes between lock positions engaging the push bars to lock the push bars in the push positions and release positions allowing the push bars to move between respective push positions and down-out-of-the-way positions.

Abstract: The invention provides an adjustable bed of the type comprising a bed base frame, having a lead end, a foot end, opposed longitudinal members connecting same end foot members attached to the base frame normally being in contact with a floor surface, an articulated moving upper frame mounted on a carriage having leg support portions and upper body support portions articulated to each other and supported on the carriage for longitudinal shifting of the support portions relative to the base frame; and motor means for raising the upper body support portion and/or the leg support portions the led further comprising at least one wheeled leg member operationally connected to the motor, the at least one leg member being displaceable from a first elevated position to a second deployed position, wherein in the second deployed position the at least one wheeled leg member is brought it in contact with the floor surface and a rolling element supported at the leg member free extremity applies a force to the floor surface s

Abstract: This invention preferably includes a platform (100) having a support surface (110), a pair of legs (150, 150) connected to the support surface (110), and footings (152) and securing mechanism (160 or 180) on the legs (150, 150) for attaching the invention to a litter that preferably satisfies NATO requirements. Preferably, the invention attaches to the poles used to carry a patient on a litter such that the invention provides space for the patient's legs to pass under if necessary. A further embodiment of the invention adds at least one accessory clip, which preferably includes at least one attachment for a piece of medical equipment such as medical monitors, ventilators, and infusion pumps.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gelatinous composite article. The article has a first and a second heat formable and heat reversible gelatinous elastomer material, a first permeable layer, and a control gap. Each of the gelatinous materials is a three-dimensional shape having an upper side, a base side and at least one connecting side. The first connecting side and the second connecting side are adjacent to each other so the first and second materials are essentially side-by-side within the same horizontal plane. The first permeable layer has a top side and a bottom side. The top side attaches to the first and second connecting side. The control gap is interspaced between the bottom side of the first permeable layer. This gap degrades the rigidity between each connecting side and provides an equivalent structural property throughout the article.

Abstract: An electric folding bed comprises a front bed frame, a rear bed frame, a pivoting structure for pivoting the front bed frame and the rear bed frame, and four adjustable legs for supporting the front bed frame and the rear bed frame on a surface. The adjustable legs are provided with an extensible rod and a drive device for driving the extensible rod to extend. The extensible rods are driven to extend simultaneously or independently so as to keep the bed frames in various positions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gelatinous composite article. The article has a first and a second heat formable and heat reversible gelatinous elastomer material, a first permeable layer, and a control gap. Each of the gelatinous materials is a three-dimensional shape having an upper side, a base side and at least one connecting side. The first connecting side and the second connecting side are adjacent to each other so the first and second materials are essentially side-by-side within the same horizontal plane. The first permeable layer has a top side and a bottom side. The top side attaches to the first and second connecting side. The control gap is interspaced between the bottom side of the first permeable layer. This gap degrades the rigidity between each connecting side and provides an equivalent structural property throughout the article.

Abstract: A portable massage table including a planar padded base having a centrally located concave first notch in one end, and a planar padded extension that has an aligned second notch. The extension is slidably movable with respect to the base between a first position where the base and extension are aligned so that the first and second notches form a small face opening, and a second position where the base and extension are spaced apart and the first and second notches form a large face opening. One end of the base is supported by foldable legs that are telescopically adjustable in height, while the other end of the base is supported by a conventional bed.

Abstract: An articulated surgical table configured to alternatively receive an orthopedic attachment and a scanning table attachment. The orthopedic attachment is provided with a frame having a plurality of mounting points for mounting two detachable spar members. Either or both of the spar members may be mounted to the frame to provide the desired level of patient support and operator access. In addition, a pelvic support plate is supported on top of the frame and is formed with an asymmetrical construction. The pelvic support plate includes a cutout area on a front corner thereof for permitting additional access to the affected or broken leg of a patient. The plate may be flipped over to position the cutout area on the opposite side of the patient, depending on the location of the affected leg.

Abstract: A new and useful OB/GYN examination chair is provided, which is lightweight and collapsible for convenient transport or storage, and which is readily erected to an examination position in which it supports an OB/GYN patient in a convenient position for an OB/GYN examination or procedure. The chair comprises a collapsible structure having a seat, a back rest, a pair of armrests and a pair of substantially planar leg rests. The leg rests are spaced apart from each other to enable a patient's legs to be supported thereon in an abducted position suitable for an OB/GYN examination, and define therebetween an examination/demonstration space in which an OB/GYN caregiver can conduct an OB/GYN examination or procedure. Additionally, the seat has support structure which enables a slidable basin to be integrally connected with the seat. The chair has a seat which is relatively short in comparison to typical chairs designed as furniture pieces.

Abstract: An adjustable collapsing cot is disclosed which can be utilized in numerous situations including evacuations and military operations. The cot includes an outer frame member and an inner frame member which are both preferably divided into two sections and are both pivotable approximate their center point. Either section of the inner frame member can be adjusted to one or more elevation angles with respect to the outer frame member as desired by the user. A spring loaded webbing material is provided to safely support and cradle the user. Preferably, a mattress is provided and is disposed on top of the spring loaded webbing. One or more restraint belts can be provided to safely secure the user while he or she is utilizing the cot. Several accessories items, including an intervenes pole, message flag and miscellaneous item bag/compartment can be provided and attached to the cot. When it is desired to move the cot, the cot can be folded into an easily transportable configuration.

Abstract: An ambulance cot having a wheeled base, a horizontally oriented patient litter support disposed on the base and having an elongate guide extending lengthwise thereof. A support mechanism is provided for supporting the patient litter support for vertical movement relative to the base while being maintained in the generally horizontal orientation. A device for selectively locking the patient litter support at selectively different vertical elevations is provided.

Abstract: A folding table for supporting a person includes an elongated tabletop comprising a pair of hinged halves. Four legs are pivotally attached to the comers of the tabletop. Four diagonal braces are each connected between the tabletop and a corresponding leg. Each diagonal brace comprises upper and lower members connected by an intermediate pivot. The legs at each end of the table are fixedly connected by a transverse brace. Four diagonal cables are each connected between the tabletop and the intermediate pivot of a corresponding diagonal brace. Four longitudinal cables are each connected between a corresponding intermediate pivot of a corresponding diagonal brace and an opposite leg. The cable arrangement provides improved rigidity and stability, and enables the legs to be folded while the tabletop is in a fully open position, so that the tabletop can be placed flat on the ground for some types of massages. The table can be fully folded by pivoting the two halves together.

Abstract: An umbilicus system includes a mobile medical unit and interior and exterior treatment platforms connected to the mobile medical unit with respective umbilici that include bundles of lines for conveying medical and electrical utilities from the mobile medical unit to the treatment platforms. The umbilici are supported within the treatment platforms on trays that have openings for extending free ends of the umbilici from either end of the treatment platforms. The utilities conveyed by the umbilici are made available from medical action boards located at a front end of the treatment platforms.

Abstract: An emergency evacuation device comprises a tough fabric panel longer than a large human adult and wide enough to be wrapped around such a person. A pouch on the foot end of the device receives the person's feet. A strap adjacent the foot end of the device ties the person's feet together in an upright position so the feet do not splay apart and snag on an obstruction when the device is moved. Transverse straps wrap the panel about the individual and, at the head end of the panel, preferably are crossed to pull the person's shoulders downwardly and inwardly thereby making the person's shoulders less apt to snag on an obstruction when the device is pulled along an underlying surface.

Abstract: An adjustable articulated bed manufactured in seven or so components for packing in three or so separate smaller boxes for easy transport. These components can be snap-fit together for easy assembly (and disassembly). The bed includes a bed frame, a power module or carriage and a bedding foundation. The foundation in turn includes a head portion and a body portion both of which are snap-fit securable in position to the power carriage. Pins releasably hold the roller assemblies of the power carriage to side rails of the frame for rolling moving of the carriage on the frame. A motor of the power carriage controllably moves the foundation head portion with respect to the frame and body portion. A drag link pivotally connects the head portion to the head rail of the frame. The drag link can be releasably connected at either end thereof or in the middle, snapping the two parts of the drag link together.

Abstract: Various high-low bases including (i) a frame, and (ii) various lift mechanisms for supporting and for variably elevating the frame above a floor, fit completely under, and within the pedestal base, of a conventional contour bed. In one embodiment a motorized hydraulic drive mechanism variably controllably elevates the entire contour bed, including its pedestal base, in height above the floor, thereby to order to facilitate transfer of a user of the bed to and from a wheelchair, or the provision of care to the user who lies supine upon the bed. In another embodiment the lift mechanism is a motorized screw drive acting through cables to control lifting lever arms. In still another embodiment the screw drive of the lifting lever arms is direct. An upper surface of the contour bed is mechanically adjustable to contour a mattress that rests upon this upper surface independently of the hydraulic adjustment of the height of the bed.

Abstract: A hospital bed that converts from a bed configuration to a chair configuration that is used in combination with different care/therapy modules. When in the chair configuration, the bed is designed to interface at its foot end with the different care/therapy modules to facilitate the use of such modules. The care/therapy modules include, for example, a general purpose cart, a motorized leg exercise device, a walking exercise device, a non-motorized leg exercise device, a commode, a wheelchair and/or a hydrotherapy unit.

Abstract: A rehabilitation bed for accommodating an obese person includes a main frame with separate forward and rearward frame structures connected together end-to-end and constituting mirror images of one another, forward and rearward deck structures for supporting a mattress thereon being mounted to and resting upon the forward and rearward frame structures, head and foot actuator mechanisms pivotally mounted to the forward and rearward frame structures and pivotally coupled to the forward and rearward deck structures, separate forward and rearward carriages underlying and supporting the respective forward and rearward frame structures of the main frame, front and rear actuator mechanisms respective pivotally coupled to a front linkage assembly of the forward carriage and a rear linkage assembly of the rear carriage and operable between extended and retracted conditions to pivotally move the front and rear linkage assemblies reciprocally along arcuate paths being mirror images of one another to cause the forward and

Abstract: A portable folding grab bar device for aiding a person to stand from a seated position having four primary components, a base, a support column which pivots with respect to the base, a pivot mechanism, and a handle which the user grabs to rise from a seated position. The support column pivots with respect to the base to enhance portability. The base is designed for the user to stand upon while the handle is grasped, thus the users own body weight is used to stabilize the device in use. The device is constructed from lightweight materials to further enhance portability. The pivot mechanism is designed to prevent over rotation of the support column and to remain rigid and stable after extended use. The pivot mechanism includes a sliding locking block and is inexpensive to manufacture. The handle has a variable extension member so the height of the handle from the base may be varied to suit the users height or reach.

Abstract: Portable apparatus to be carried and set up at selected locations and taken down by a masseur or physical therapist, comprising a basic frame having downwardly extendable legs and formed by parallel co-extensive side members held together by a first rigid transverse bar secured at corresponding ends of the side members, and a second such bar secured at a preselected distance from each of the other ends of side members to leave trailing free end portions from which extend a plurality of upwardly projecting elements. A pendant knee support may extend below the trailing free ends of the side members and the intermediate transverse bar, and/or a lower body support may be attached to the ends of the trailing members. A face support desirably is provided to extend from the first transverse bar and the inner areas defined by the frame, and the lower body support may be provided with sheet or mesh material supported around its edges. Cushions may be provided for the face support and frame defined areas.

Abstract: A wheeled cart to provide light weight, collapsible and portable mobility for individuals who have the need to be in the prone position. The bed of the cart and the two large front wheels are provided with quick disconnect means and the two sides of the tubular frame of the prone cart fold easily together for transport.

Abstract: A patient support system comprises an operating table, a patient transporter and a table top that can be moved from the transporter to the pedestal of the table. A platform at the top of the pedestal has a lateral hinge and two hydraulically-operated locks located at the hinge, which engage with the table top. The table top carries four secondary locks that are operated by actuators in the platform to cause the locks to engage or disengage the transporter. Lock sensors cause the platform to move when they detect incomplete engagement of the locks.

Abstract: A massage table having a sheet member including a perimeter and a lower surface opposite an upper surface. Stiffeners are positioned adjacent to the perimeter and the lower surface, and a plurality of elongated padding members having a polygonal cross-section are provided. Each padding member is positioned adjacent to one of the edge members and longitudinally aligned with the length axis of the adjacent edge member. A lower longitudinal edge of the padding member is adjacent to and aligned with the lower longitudinal edge of the adjacent edge member, and an upper surface thereof is positioned parallel to the upper surface of the support member. One or more tensile members diagonally connect two or more points about the perimeter, the tensile members crossing proximate the center of said sheet member. Compression structure spans between the lower surface and an intersecting region of the tensile members.

Abstract: An improved articulated bed with linearly retractable head and foot sections for easier shipment in a relatively small container that may be assembled by the purchaser without any tools. The bed includes a central frame with telescopic head and foot sections that linearly retract into the central frame. The central frame houses the head and foot drive motors, linear actuators, and rocker shafts that pivot mattress support panels upwardly from the extended frame.

Abstract: An adjustable articulated bed manufactured in seven or so components for packing in three or so separate smaller boxes for easy transport. These components can be snap-fit together for easy assembly (and disassembly). The bed includes a bed frame, a power module or carriage and a bedding foundation. The foundation in turn includes a head portion and a body portion both of which are snap-fit securable in position to the power carriage. Pins releasably hold the roller assemblies of the power carriage to side rails of the frame for rolling moving of the carriage on the frame. A motor of the power carriage controllably moves the foundation head portion with respect to the frame and body portion. A drag link pivotally connects the head portion to the head rail of the frame. The drag link can be releasably connected at either end thereof or in the middle, snapping the two parts of the drag link together.

Abstract: A hospital bed supported on a wheeled base, and a ventilator supported on a wheeled cart and docked to the base of the bed, the combination of ventilator and bed capable of being rolled as a single unit. The ventilator cart includes a wheeled base, and supports connected to the base for supporting a ventilator, with the supports providing for selective raising and lowering of the ventilator. The hospital bed base is wheeled and has a generally Y-shaped base frame. The outspread arms of the Y-shaped base frame receives the ventilator cart so that the two may be docked together. The ventilator when docked to the hospital bed base falls within the footprint of the bed as projected downwardly onto the floor. A latch secures the ventilator to the bed base. A disabling switch disables the high/low function of the bed preventing the bed from being lowered downwardly onto the ventilator. A power supply mounted to the bed base provides for uninterrupted operation of the ventilator.

Abstract: A patient trolley has a top that can be raised and lowered hydraulically. A guide wheel mounted on a resilient suspension is coupled to the trolley top so that, when the top is raised, the guide wheel is also raised and, when the top is lowered, the guide wheel is lowered into contact with the floor.

Abstract: A modular hospital bed and method of patient handling which permits a patient to remain on a single hospital bed from admittance to and through discharge from a hospital, thereby reducing the number of patient bed surface-to-surface transfers and the number of hospital beds.

Abstract: A high-low base including a lower frame member supported upon a floor, an upper frame member, and an elevation assembly for variably elevating the upper frame member in height above the lower frame member, fits completely under, and within the pedestal base, of a conventional contour bed. A motorized drive mechanism variably controllably elevates the upper frame member in height above the lower frame member, and the entire contour bed including its pedestal base in height above the floor, in order to facilitate transfer of a bed user to and from a wheelchair, or the provision of care to the user supine within the bed. An upper surface of the contour bed is adjustable to contour a mattress that rests upon this upper surface mechanically and electrically independently of the adjustment of the height of the bed.