Abstract: A caster for vertically adjustable beds, and the like, includes a brake assembly for locking the wheel in place. A brake arm is pivotally mounted in the housing of the caster, and includes one end adapted to abut and frictionally engage the periphery of the caster wheel to form a rotary lock. The other end of the brake arm engages a vertically translating portion of the adjustable bed, and thereby rotates the brake arm between the locked and unlocked positions. A swivel lock is disposed between the caster housing and the bed leg, and is also actuated by vertical bed translation, whereby both caster swivel and rotation are automatically controlled by adjusting the elevation of the bed.

Abstract: A hinge is provided for adjustable, hospital-type beds of the type having at least one articulated mattress support section. The hinge comprises two hinge plates, each having three pivot points thereon arranged in a triangular pattern. The upper ends of the hinge plates are attached to the bed frame and movable bed section respectively. The adjacent, lower pivot points of the two plates are rotatably interconnected, and the remaining pivot points are rotatably attached to a pair of links. The upper ends of the links connect their respective plate to that bed section opposite to the bed section the upper hinge plate end is attached to, whereby the movable bed section rotates about an imaginary axis above the mattress support to alleviate compression of that portion of the mattress positioned between the two bed sections when the movable bed section is raised.

Abstract: A wrap-down spring clutch includes a drum and a spring which are selectively engaged by a solenoid. The solenoid has a coil, which when energized, extends a ferromagnetic plunger. When the coil is energized the plunger is extended out against the spring and urges the same into frictional engagement with the drum. The drum is also ferromagnetic, such that the activation of the coil simultaneously magnetizes the plunger, and creates a magnetic attraction between the plunger and the drum which further urges the plunger against the spring and the drum to produce a wrap-down pressure which effects quick and secure clutch engagement.

Abstract: A drive unit for adjustable beds, such as hospital beds and the like, of the type which have movable head and foot sections, and/or other adjustment functions, comprises a single, unidirectional, rotary motor, and a drive shaft for each adjustable bed function. A pair of drive wheels are rotatably mounted on each of the drive shafts, and are rotated thereon in opposite directions by the motor. A pair of spring clutches are operably associated with each pair of drive wheels, and alternatively engage or connect selected drive wheels with their associated shafts to rotate the shafts, and thereby adjust the position and/or configuration of the bed.

Abstract: A patient room headwall unit consisting of an integral module for suspension on the headwall of a hospital room between two patient beds. The unit, which is prewired during assembly at the factory, includes a center section having provisions for gas, communication or nurse call and electrical services, the same being accessible at either bed through use of pendant controls and the like. It also includes a lighting section at either side of the central section for providing reading light and both high and low intensity general room illumination at each patient bed. The unit, ordinarily, will be installed in conjuction with ceiling-drop services and a telescopic shroud is provided to conceal these services once installation has been completed.

Abstract: The specification discloses an examination table for supporting a patient during a medical examination including a simple, reliable, inexpensive means for adjusting the height of the table by raising and lowering a plurality of movable leg sections. Preferably, a reversible electric motor and power transfer means positioned generally below storage areas of the table cabinet operate a plurality of flexible cables directed to individual telescoping legs located at the exterior corners of the table by a plurality of pulleys. In the preferred embodiment, which includes an articulated patient support cushion, pivotal handle means are included on the movable cushion and extend to either side thereof for depression of a valve pin on a pneumatic fluid cylinder which adjusts the positions of the movable cushion section.

Abstract: The specification discloses an articulated patient support cushion for a medical examining table including an over-center type, gavity-operated support means for securely holding a pivotable section of the one-piece, seamless cushion at an upward angle to avoid accidental release. Also disclosed is a one-piece paper tray having a depressed trough for holding and dispensing paper from a roll to cover the cushion. The tray is pivotable downwardly after release of a latch means for insertion of a roll of paper in the trough. An extendible and retractable carriage assembly at the foot end of the examining table is also disclosed including means for supporting a leg rest pad and/or a drainage pan thereon.

Abstract: The specification discloses a locking apparatus and method for assembling bed frames which simplifies assembly of such frames allowing the same to be easily and quickly accomplished by one person. Included in the apparatus are opposing rigid bracket members joined by a rigid, two-point connection. One connection provides a pivot while a camming means cams the other connection into a corresponding receiving means to lock the members together when one member is rotated about the pivot. The method includes pivotally supporting one member on the other and rotating one member with respect to the other while camming a locking projection into a receptacle to lock together the members and their associated mattress and head or foot support frames.

Abstract: A safety bed rail assembly especially adapted for hospital beds including means for pivoting the rail between raised and lowered positions with respect to the bed mattress. Release means for operation by a knee of a nurse or other attendant are included to pivot the rail between said positions. The pivotal movement is limited such that the rail always pivots away from the release means to prevent pinching or trapping of the knee by the pivot mechanism.

Abstract: A drawer utilizes a front panel that is removably secured to the front of a drawer pan. Fasteners on the rear portion of the front panel cooperate with mounting means on the front of the drawer pan to rapidly and invisibly secure the front panel onto the drawer pan.