Abstract: The present invention relates to a patient support apparatus useful during x-raying. The apparatus includes a frame having a graduated scale along the length of at least one side thereof. The frame has means for supporting an x-ray film cartridge shuttle thereon and permitting movement of the x-ray film cartridge shuttle along the length of the frame. The apparatus also includes a rod for positioning the x-ray film cartridge shuttle along the length of the frame. The rod has a graduated scale along the length thereof. The units of the graduated scale of the rod correspond to the units of the graduated scale of the frame.

Abstract: The present invention provide an x-ray film cartridge support for a bed-like stretcher. When the x-ray film cartridge support is attached to the crossbars of a stretcher, the support remains stationary thereon during the taking of x-rays especially when the support is attached to the stretcher head end when it is in an inclined position relative to the horizontal foot end. The support is removably mounted so that x-rays of necessary portions of the patient can be taken without movement of the patient on the stretcher.

Abstract: A bed-like stretcher for supporting a patient includes a bed surface frame pivotally connected to a base. A gas spring fixes the frame in position relative to the base. A hand-operated actuator mounted to the frame is moveable in first and second opposite directions, and is biased into a normal position. A rod connects the actuator to a release rod for the gas spring, whereby movement of the actuator in either direction releases the spring to permit pivotal movement of the frame. A stop bar is secured to the frame to be adjacent an upward-facing stop surface on the base when the frame is horizontal. The bar is biased into contact with the stop surface when the frame is horizontal to prevent downward pivotal movement of the foot end. A cable connects the stop bar to the actuator, whereby movement of the actuator in one direction causes the cable to slacken and movement of the actuator in an opposite direction causes the actuator to pull the cable to withdraw the bar from contact with the stop surface.

Abstract: A side rail assembly for a bed-like stretcher includes a tubular side rail with first and second tubular posts connected at each end. Each of a pair of mounting members connected near each end of the stretcher frame includes first and second vertically spaced-apart pivotal connection points. First and second linkage bars are pivotally connected between each of the posts and the connection points of one mounting member to form a pivotally connected quadrilateral. A handle is mounted to each of the posts for pivotal movement about a horizontal line, while a handle linkage connects the handles so that movement of either handle causes identical movement by the other. A latch on each post cooperates with a catch fixedly attached to the frame. A latch actuator connects each latch with a handle, so that pivotal movement of either handle causes the latches to disengage from the catches, permitting lowering of the side rail assembly.

Abstract: A liquid manure spreader uses a centrifugal pump to propel a slurry like product through a discharge assembly outward in a broad swath behind the spreader. The discharge assembly includes a plain nozzle having a contracting bore, a shaped deflector plate positioned in front of but at an angle with the end of the nozzle, and a guard plate for restricting the product discharge angle to less than 180 degrees. Structure is provided for evenly distributing the liquid manure in a swath about ten yards wide.