Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a patient support, a removable section configured for movement to a position wherein the removable section is aligned with patient support wherein the removable section can be coupled to the patient support, a second position wherein the removable section is adjacent to, but spaced from the first position and a third position spaced apart from the patient support. The patient support apparatus further includes a locking mechanism that is configured to sense when the removable section is properly aligned with the patient support so that the removable section can be mounted to the patient support.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a patient support having a first patient support deck, a removable section having a second patient support deck, the removable section being configured for movement to a first position wherein the removable section is coupled to the patient support, a second position wherein the removable section is adjacent to but spaced from the first position and a third position spaced apart from the patient support. A handle support mechanism is mounted on one of the patient support and the removable section. A handle is movably mounted on the handle support mechanism and is supported thereby for movement between a first handle position and a second handle position. The handle support mechanism is configured to facilitate movement of the handle from the first handle position toward the second handle position only when the removable section is oriented at and between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a patient support having a first patient support deck, a removable section having a second patient support deck, the removable section being configured for movement to a first position wherein the removable section is coupled to the patient support, a second position wherein the removable section is adjacent to but spaced from the first position and a third position spaced apart from the patient support. A handle support mechanism is mounted on one of the patient support and the removable section. A handle is movably mounted on the handle support mechanism and is supported thereby for movement between a first handle position and a second handle position. The handle support mechanism is configured to facilitate movement of the handle from the first handle position toward the second handle position only when the removable section is oriented at and between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A wheeled carriage for supporting a patient in a substantially horizontal position includes a patient support having head and foot ends and a wheeled base supported by castered wheels. Auxiliary wheels are suspendably mounted on a wheel support structure with the axis of the auxiliary wheels spaced from a midpoint of the wheeled base. A control apparatus controls the wheel support structure to move the auxiliary wheels between a first deployed position whereat castered wheels at one end of the carriage are elevated from a floor surface, and a second stored position with the auxiliary wheels out of engagement with the floor surface. The wheeled carriage includes a drive motor for powering the auxiliary wheels. A drive member applies force to a load cell on the wheeled carriage. The load cell outputs a drive signal to drive the auxiliary wheels.

Abstract: A wheeled carriage for supporting a patient in a substantially horizontal position includes a patient support having head and foot ends and a wheeled base supported by castered wheels. Auxiliary wheels are suspendably mounted on a wheel support structure with the axis of the auxiliary wheels spaced from a midpoint of the wheeled base. A control apparatus controls the wheel support structure to move the auxiliary wheels between a first deployed position whereat castered wheels at one end of the carriage are elevated from a floor surface, and a second stored position with the auxiliary wheels out of engagement with the floor surface. The wheeled carriage includes a drive motor for powering the auxiliary wheels. A drive member applies force to a load cell on the wheeled carriage. The load cell outputs a drive signal to drive the auxiliary wheels.

Abstract: An ambulance cot having a wheeled base, a horizontally oriented patient litter support disposed on the base and having an elongate guide extending lengthwise thereof. A support mechanism is provided for supporting the patient litter support for vertical movement relative to the base while being maintained in the generally horizontal orientation. A device for selectively locking the patient litter support at selectively different vertical elevations is provided.

Abstract: An emergency stretcher for emergency vehicles includes an X-frame litter support mechanism that vertically movably supports a patient litter on a wheeled base. Each of the legs of the litter support mechanism have the capability to expand and contract in length, and a fixed-length link member extends between the base and one of the legs. A releasable locking arrangement can releasably lock the patient litter in a selected vertical position, and can be released only when the patient litter is manually lifted. A gas cylinder which controls the angular position of a pivotally supported upper body support member can move into a recess in a cross member of the patient litter.

Abstract: An emergency stretcher for emergency vehicles includes an X-frame litter support mechanism that vertically movably supports a patient litter on a wheeled base. Each of the legs of the litter support mechanism have the capability to expand and contract in length, and a fixed-length link member extends between the base and one of the legs. A releasable locking arrangement can releasably lock the patient litter in a selected vertical position, and can be released only when the patient litter is manually lifted. A gas cylinder which controls the angular position of a pivotally supported upper body support member can move into a recess in a cross member of the patient litter.