Abstract: A patient support means (16) of an operating table comprises several patient support sections (18,20,22,24) connected to one another and in the region of one of the sections is releasably connected with a support apparatus (10). The support section (18) connectable with the support apparatus (10) includes a lower plate portion (30) couplable with the support apparatus and an upper plate portion (32) translationally adjustably guided on the lower plate portion and connected with the remaining sections (20,22,24) of the patient support means (16), with the lower plate portion (30) being made in the form of a closed box in which the drive mechanism for the adjustment of the upper plate portion (32) is arranged.

Abstract: An adjustable articulated bed having a back support section, a head rest section, an angled lifting lever, and a crank assembly operatively connecting the bed motor to the lifting lever. A slidable pin-and-slot arrangement connects the head end of the lever to the head rest section. As the lever is pivoted it first tilts the head rest section up relative to the (horizontal) back support section to a relative tilt position. Continued pivoting of the lever causes it to engage, lift and pivot the back support section up about the lifting-lever pivot axis. The head rest section, while maintaining the relative tilt position, is pivoted up with it. A polyfoam foundation affixed to the tops of both the back support and head rest sections tends to drag or lift the back support section up as the head rest section is pivoted up.