Abstract: A mattress assembly including a bottom mattress section and a top, transfer mattress section is provided. The transfer mattress section includes lateral flaps which are coupled to the sides of the bottom mattress section by hook and loop type fasteners. Pull straps are secured to the flaps for moving the transfer mattress section, and a patient thereon, with respect to the bottom mattress section once the fasteners have been disengaged. The interface of the top and bottom mattress sections is low friction to facilitate sliding the top mattress section with respect to the bottom mattress section.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus such a surgical table or a stretcher is provided. The apparatus includes a top assembly for supporting a patient in a variety of selected positions. The top assembly is supported by first and second hydraulic column assemblies which are, in turn, mounted to a base assembly. A stabilizing mechanism is provided for exerting a constant downward force upon the hydraulic column assembly supporting the head end of the top assembly. The stabilizing mechanism counteracts the lifting force at the head end of the apparatus when a patient's weight is located at or beyond the foot end thereof. The stabilizing mechanism includes a gas spring which is mounted to the base assembly and a cable connected between the base assembly and top assembly. The gas spring exerts a constant force upon the cable in all elevational positions of the top assembly.

Abstract: A multi-purpose patient support and transport apparatus is provided which includes a Trendelenburg mechanism and a novel guard rail assembly. The Trendelenburg mechanism is actuated by turning a handle in one direction. This allows a penumatic spring connected between the seat and backrest assemblies to be fully contracted, thereby moving the backrest assembly to a Trendelenburg position. When the handle is turned in the opposite direction, the backrest may also be rotated downwardly, but is precluded from moving beyond the reclining position by a stop member which prevents the pneumatic spring shaft from moving entirely within the spring casing. The guard rail is mounted to the frame of the apparatus by a pair of pivot arms extending at an oblique angle with respect to the plane of the rail. This allows the rail to be stored under the frame when in the lowered position.

Abstract: A multi-purpose chair/stretcher assembly is disclosed which includes seat, backrest and leg supporting assemblies, the backrest and leg supporting assemblies both being pivotably mounted to the seat assembly. A pair of telescoping linkage assemblies connect the backrest and leg supporting assemblies so that the pivotal movement of one with respect to the other causes both to rotate in the same direction if restricted from telescoping. If this linkage assembly is allowed to telescope, the backrest assembly may be moved independently of the leg supporting assembly. A second linkage assembly connects the leg supporting assembly with the seat assembly. This second linkage assembly, while extendable and contractable, may be locked in a rigid configuration so that the leg supporting assembly may be held in a fixed position with respect to the seat assembly.

Abstract: A stretcher is provided which is usable for ophthalmic surgery and other similar operations. It includes a pivotably mounted backrest assembly and a headrest which is pivotably mounted to the backrest assembly. The headrest is substantially narrower in width than the remainder of the stretcher to provide easier access to a patient's head. A receptacle including a locking mechanism is centrally positioned beneath the headrest. It includes a passage which receives the mounting member of a wrist rest assembly or a headrest extension assembly. The headrest extension assembly is mounted to the headrest for providing a full width surface area for the patient's head.

Abstract: A multi-purpose patient support and transport apparatus is provided which includes a Trendelenburg mechanism and a novel guard rail assembly. The Trendelenburg mechanism is actuated by turning a handle in one direction. This allows a pneumatic spring connected between the seat and backrest assemblies to be fully contracted, thereby moving the backrest assembly to a Trendelenburg position. When the handle is turned in the opposite direction, the backrest may also be rotated downwardly, but is precluded from moving beyond the reclining position by a stop member which prevents the pneumatic spring shaft from moving entirely within the spring casing. The guard rail is mounted to the frame of the apparatus by a pair of pivot arms extending at an oblique angle with respect to the plane of the rail. This allows the rail to be stored under the frame when in the lowered position.