Abstract: The present invention provides an extendable and retractable foot section for a medical examination table whereby the footrest is adapted to extend when the footrest section is raised to its generally horizontal height for use, and alternatively, retract when the footrest section is lowered to its generally vertical position for storage. The coordinated movement of the footrest section is accomplished through the use of a linkage assembly, a slidable footrest section, and a table footrest support frame. Additionally, an actuator is provided to operably cause the linkage assembly to rotate the footrest support frame while simultaneously sliding the footrest.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and program product gradually and automatically accelerates or decelerates chair motor speed to achieve a smooth, nearly imperceptable movement of the chair. To this end, voltage is apportioned to the motor according to an acceleration profile.

Abstract: An apparatus and method positions a powered examination chair at a constant, desired speed. The desired speed is achieved irrespective of patient weight and/or direction of chair travel. A power signal supplied to an actuating motor is apportioned according to a load incident on the chair. The determined load accounts for patient weight, as well as to gravitational and mechanical forces.

Abstract: The present invention provides an extendable and retractable foot section for a medical examination table whereby the footrest is adapted to extend when the footrest section is raised to its generally horizontal height for use, and alternatively, retract when the footrest section is lowered to its generally vertical position for storage. The coordinated movement of the footrest section is accomplished through the use of a linkage assembly, a slidable footrest section, and a table footrest support frame. Additionally, an actuator is provided to operably cause the linkage assembly to rotate the footrest support frame while simultaneously sliding the footrest.

Abstract: An examination and treatment chair is operable to move between a generally upright patient entry/exit position and a reclined patient examination and treatment position. The chair includes a seat section and a beck section that moves between a generally upright position and a reclined position. Arm rests are rigidly connected to the back section and move with the back section. The arm rests are automatically positioned to allow a patient unobstructed entry into or exit from the chair.

Abstract: A medical examination table which is movable between a lowered patient entry/exit position and a raised patient examination position. A scissor-lift assembly is provided to raise and lower the examination table. The examination table includes a drawer having a pivotal front panel which is adapted to support instruments or other items thereon when the drawer is folded to a downward position. The examination table further includes a storage pocket located beneath the backrest. The storage pocket and its contents are concealed when the backrest is lowered and are accessible when the backrest is inclined.

Abstract: An instrument delivery head for supporting hand-held instruments used in dental and other medical procedures. The instrument delivery head includes base and a lid connected to the base for movement between open and closed positions. Various instrument controls are supported by the lid so that the controls are accessible when the lid is opened. After the control adjustments are made, the lid is closed to conceal the controls within the instrument delivery head.

Abstract: A track mounting system for supporting equipment, such as a dental light, includes a pan-shaped carriage which is suspended from the track mounting system and to which the light or other equipment is attached. The track mounting system includes a pair of spaced, parallel tracks which are engaged by rollers rotatably mounted on inner walls of the carriage. At least one of the rollers is formed from a relatively hard material and is concave to mate with the complementary surface on one of the tracks to provide resistance against side loads. Other rollers are formed from a relatively soft material and are convex to provide a light frictional resistance to movement of the carriage along the tracks that inhibits drift, over-travel and other inadvertent movement of the carriage, while reducing noise.

Abstract: An examination and treatment chair operable to move between a generally upright patient entry/exit position and a reclined patient examination and treatment position. The chair includes a seat section and a back section that moves between a generally upright position and a reclined position. Arm rests are rigidly connected to the back section and move with the back section. The arm rests are automatically positioned to allow a patient unobstructed entry into or exit from the chair.

Abstract: A track mounting system for supporting equipment, such as a dental light, includes a pan-shaped carriage which is suspended from the track mounting system and to which the light or other equipment is attached. The track mounting system includes a pair of spaced, parallel tracks which are engaged by rollers rotatably mounted on inner walls of the carriage. At least one of the rollers is formed from a relatively hard material and is concave to mate with the complementary surface on one of the tracks to provide resistance against side loads. Other rollers are formed from a relatively soft material and are convex to provide a light frictional resistance to movement of the carriage along the tracks that inhibits drift, over-travel and other inadvertent movement of the carriage, while reducing noise.

Abstract: An examination table including a base member supporting a seat section and including a back section pivotally supported on the seat section. The back section includes an elongated pivot frame connected to the seat section at a pivot connection, and a sliding frame supported for longitudinal sliding movement along the pivot frame. A coupling member is supported on the pivot frame for rotational movement and includes telescoping members engaged with the sliding frame wherein the coupling member is rotated by a linkage during pivotal movement of the back section to cause the sliding frame to move longitudinally of the pivot frame to accommodate movement of a patient's back relative to the pivot frame as the pivot frame is pivoted.

Abstract: A surgical table including a control system for facilitating manipulation of the table top when a patient is a normal and a reversed position. The table includes moveable table top sections whereby the table may be reconfigured from a normal configuration for receiving a patient with the patient's head at a head end of the table to a reversed configuration with the patient's head located at the foot end of the table. The controller is adapted to sense the configuration of the table and automatically reverse selectable functions for movement of the table when the table is in the reverse configuration.

Abstract: A removable accessory for use with a surgical table top having a generally planar top surface for supporting a patient. The accessory may be in the form of a detachable siderail which may be clamped onto the side edge of a surgical table top. The removable accessory includes an elongated clamp body defined by a C-shaped channel member having top and bottom legs connected by a connector portion. A clamp bar is supported on the bottom leg and is moved into engagement with a bottom surface of the surgical table top to thereby cause the accessory to be clamped to the table top. The table top is provided with a ridge along an upper edge thereof for positioning within a recess in the top leg of the clamp body for preventing the accessory from slipping off the edge of the table top.