Abstract: A patient support fashioned of a core of carbon-fiber material and a synthetic material for binding the carbon-fiber material. The carbon-fiber core has a greater proportion of carbon fibers oriented substantially in lengthwise directions than in other directions. As a result of this construction, the patient support is substantially inflexible along its longitudinal axis yet flexible along its lateral axis. The sides of the support can be drawn up and around the patient, to hold the patient immobile within the support, which is especially helpful when transporting trauma patients and those with back and neck injuries. The support is also transparent to radiation, making it particularly suited to use with radiation imaging devices. Finally, the exterior surface of the support is formed of low-friction material, further facilitating practical use thereof. The support can be fashioned as a backboard or a patient transfer device and has a wide range of advantageous applications in a hospital environment.

Abstract: Mobile imaging table for transporting a patient and for imaging the patient using a radiographic imaging apparatus such as a CT scan, MRI apparatus, or X-ray. The mobile imaging table comprises a generally rectangular lower frame member supported on rollers, a vertically movable upper frame member, a longitudinally and horizontally movable table top which is movable between a first position for transport of a patient and a second position for imaging, and at least one linear bearing assembly for guiding the vertical movement of the upper frame member. Each linear bearing assembly comprises at least two telescoping vertical plates (or other linear bearing support members) and each vertical plate has at least one (preferably two) vertically extending linear bearings mounted thereon. Either a pair of longitudinally extending linear bearing assemblies (one on either side of the mobile imaging table) or a single transverse linear bearing assembly may be provided.