Abstract: An adjustable bed having mattress supporting portions for supporting a mattress for an occupant and in a variety of positions, a base frame for supporting the mattress supporting portions, and position controlling mechanism operatively interconnecting the mattress supporting portions and the base frame. The position controlling mechanism comprises an upper frame operatively connected with the mattress supporting portions for moving the portions relative to one another, lifting arms operatively connecting the upper frame and the base frame, and a plurality of drive motors operatively connected with the upper frame and with the lifting arms for moving the upper frame and the lifting arms and thereby positioning the mattress supporting portions in the desired positions.

Abstract: The patient supporting platform of the present stretcher is supported above an undercarriage by hydraulic lift cylinders to be raised or lowered and tilted into head-up or head-down positions. A backrest is provided on the patient supporting platform and may be inclined at various angles so that the position of the patient supporting platform can be adjusted throughout a wide range of adjusted positions. Foot operated brake levers are provided at each side of the stretcher for at times locking the wheels. Duplicate controls for carrying out the various adjustments of the stretcher, and for controlling the brakes, are provided on each side of the stretcher so that an attendant positioned at either side of the stretcher may immediately make any necessary adjustments of the stretcher while continuously monitoring the condition of the patient.

Abstract: A wedge die is provided for shaping plywood or the like into a desired configuration. It includes a female die section having a body member with a channel defined therein. The channel has opposing inwardly tapered walls and an inner surface connecting these walls. First and second generally L-shaped slidable members are held by spring members and connecting links within the channel and in contact with the tapered walls. The slidable members have opposing inner surfaces which correspond to the desired exterior surface of the workpiece. A compressible bumper is positioned between the inner surface of the channel and each of the slidable members. A male die member having an exterior surface corresponding to the desired interior surface of the workpiece is also provided. In operation, the female die section is forced upon the male die member. After the male die member is a certain distance within the channel, the slidable members move towards the inner surface of the channel and accordingly toward each other.

Abstract: A housing is fixed on the backrest and supports the same for vertical sliding movement on the upper end portion of a vertical support member. Notches are spaced vertically along the upper portion of the support member and a pawl is pivotally supported on the housing and includes a ratchet finger movable between an operative position with the ratchet finger in engagement with the notches and an inoperative position with the ratchet finger out of engagement with the notches. A spring is associated with the pawl and is operable to selectively maintain the pawl and ratchet finger in either the operative or inoperative positions. When the backrest is raised to the uppermost adjusted position, the pawl; is switched to the inoperative position and the backrest may be freely lowered to the lower end of the adjustment limit in preparation for a subsequent adjustment in the upward direction.

Abstract: A control arrangement and method for a motor driven adjustable bed which has mattress supporting portions, a frame for supporting the mattress supporting portions, and a position controlling mechanism operatively interconnecting the mattress supporting portions and the frame and including a plurality of motors. In accordance with the present invention, an operator of the bed may generate command signals indicative of selected bed positions and a processor responsive to command signals and to control signals stored in a programmable memory actuates at least one of the motors for moving the frame toward an allowed, selected bed position. In accordance with the present invention, the motors may be actuated in selected combinations and sequences so as to achieve particular bed positions as described more fully in the accompanying description.